A Price to Pay

by Lakshmi Prabha Matham

The rhythm of hoofs
Resonated in the hills
As the ruthless soldier
Returned from his thrills

He charged in delight
Rushing back to display
The spoils of his victory
Won through foul play

His horse stumbled suddenly
In the familiar terrain
The glee wiped out
He halted in apprehension

The fort was silhouetted
Against the setting star
The twilight of the empire
Reaped shadows afar

A shade of despair
Descended on the soldier
As he looked around
Against the depressing glimmer

The waters in the moat
Stood still and lifeless
Its inanimate reptiles
Lay afloat in darkness

The once sturdy trees
Weathered out of shape
With an emotional burden
Borne on their nape

Faint cries of agony
Echoed along the barrier
Its defences stood bare
That confounded the warrior

He hesitated at the gates
As the air filled with gloom
Did he dare advance
To confront the doom

He sensed the aftermath
Of a battle gone astray
He trembled in anguish
Too defeated to pray

Wind hissed at him coldly
Shadows mocked his wins
He raised his sword high
And chose to pay for his sins

12-Jul-2009

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