Deserter Poem by Naveed Akram

Soldier 1: Do as they bid with interest,
To school the child and mother with it,
As a man will kick his attacker in war.
I think on deserting a cursed fellow,
One that is regarded by some as nothing.
Am I nothing?

Soldier 2: Yes, (says the forceful fellow with fellowship)
Yes I have to be it, and I have to kick the foe with might.
You are other than the foe, and you are nevertheless a let down,
You have expected me to face the unquestionable.

Soldier 1: Your reason for living is unique,
Yet my reason for existing is the same.
I am in dire need of war,
So much is the foe in front of me.
Am I nothing?