The dead soldier

There was absolute silence in the woods 
Which was repeatedly broken by the birds
Lifeless bodies were scattered all around
Like unworthy wild flowers on the ground

The captain found a little white sheet
Hiding beneath a dead soldier's feet
Out of curiosity, he picked up the sheet of paper 
And read out the anguish of the dead soldier

It was a letter addressed to 
His family and countrymen too 
"I fought till the end and did my best"
"That’s all I have to say before my everlasting rest"

The captain understood the irony in his words
And smiled to himself inwards
No one is going to regret his death and his fate
What is one soldier in the affairs of a state?

To die for no personal need 
Is the greatest heroic deed
But still our greatest heroes are
Only those who declare the war 

Life is the most precious thing one can find 
More valuable than all the wealth combined 
The brave soldier is ready to give it away 
So that we are safe in the homes we stay

The captain buried the letter in the dead soldier's grave 
Saluted the unsung hero 'glorious and brave'
And said,” We all have to go where we came from"
Deep down he knew his time was to come.