Nature's Soldiers Poem by BASAB CHAUDHURI

Rocks—
see how they rise above the earth
and stand like soldiers,
nature's soldiers.

Iron and silica determine their shades—
from light colors to red and green,
oxides of iron, magnesium, and copper.

Look at them under the sun;
they seem studded with diamonds.

When the crimson red of the sun
touches them,
they are like brides waiting
for the bridegroom.

The bridegroom does not come;
instead, night falls.

Disappointment
is the mother of strength—
the rocks.