– Sanjana Khanna

A shot through the being,

Pain lost in the wind,

Exhalation is just a sigh –

– A brave soldier does not cry.

As i crumble down to Earth,

Not “ashes to ashes, dust to dust”

But two breathing souls –

The bearer and the borne.

Darkness beckons for light beyond.

Searing mortals soothed by tears…

Is that you, my mother?

– Or just what I long to feign?

I have played all chances well

For a score and five of life;

I have won my bet with destiny,

Now “I” shall end this strife.