Face Or Surrender Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal
Face Or Surrender
'Face the annihilation or surrender' warning was issued
Leaflets were dropped from air and situation constantly reviewed
All commanders were keenly watching the development
It was hectic day for army and its heavy deployment
It was never a 'do or die situation' for peaceful country
India faced international pressure along with refugees
They were in millions and daily crossing the border
There stream could not be stopped by an order
It was genuine and humanitarian issue
It needed kind consideration and humanly viewed
Many suffered army brutality and right's violation
It was new beginning for serious relation
'Bangladesh' was emerging and coming into reality
The population was uprising and showing presence with quality
They had suffered suppression along with economic inequality
Now time had come to prove their worth and capability
As army advanced to main headquarters with clear instructions
Wide spread losses were reported with heavy destruction
The soldiers were committing atrocities and public was on run
They were still hesitating to lay downs the guns
'You may be treated with honor and international norms'
The instructions along with guidelines were dropped in forms
Large number of troops were still in dilemma and refused
As large scale uncertainty prevailed along with confusion
The defeated army surrendered with the only hope
That they may be treated well and not hung with rope
Never in history of army had manual if such kind of situation developed
Where troops were taken to safety with full honor and welcomed
This is not simple remedy that was taken on hand
Where enemy troops were treated with norms as friends
Not only their safe return was assured but nicely ended
The humiliation and reprisal was never intended
Whether war or no war humanity must be respected
He may be son, husband, or father of someone and hence acted
He had compulsion to be in service for support of family
After war nobody is friend, foe or real enemy
Dear Sir, The title itself is like an order. Because the soldiers and those like them are placed in such predicaments. Sir, you have 'made history' of the historical events in your wonderful poem, which looks like retinue of soldiers on the march. They can't but carry out the orders. To be of interest, I would add that in the substance of the poem 'Strange Meeting by 'Wilfred Owen' it is said that 'war men' are more human than 'those who drive them to war'. In this poem, only in the other world do the soldiers realize their brotherhood. It is paradoxical to note that that the sense of brotherhood does not exist where it is most needed (in this world) but exists in the 'other world' after their death, perhaps, to be called Strange Meeting. This is also said to have religious connotation. A good poem, like yours, has inspired me to make a mention of another poem. Thanks for sharing. With regards, K. Sadasivan, Chennai . K. Sadasivan, Chennai K. Sadasivan, Chennai July 17,2012
Kannadasa Dasan good picture and a good poem 8 hours ago · Like
Truth of war Sukhendu Bandhu27 minutes ago I feel the pain. Comment 1 Comment+1
Faye Lee23 minutes ago 2nd stanza last line you used wrong word: there should be their. Although some thoughts were okay- this just was not my cup of tea- no offense! Comment 2 Comments+1
Faye Lee23 minutes ago 2nd stanza last line you used wrong word: there should be their. Although some thoughts were okay- this just was not my cup of tea- no offense! Comment 2 Comments+1
rajender kumar26 minutes ago do u really realize the poignancy.............if so then thumbs up
John Castellenas War leave no winners. Only poor people who lost their lives to the violence of war. A powerful story. I like the old photo. about an hour ago · Like
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/19/2024 8:20:26 PM # 1.0.0.1119
“Face the annihilation or surrender” warning was issued Leaflets were dropped from air and situation constantly reviewed