Tommy Poem by Bijay Kant Dubey

I see the word, Tommy
And think about
What the meaning of it,
How the coinage,
How the forces enlisted,
The regulars or irregulars,
The private divisions,
The ill-paid people
Sent to crush and control,
Oppress and suppress?

From the word Tommy,
From Tommy to Tommies, Tommys,
Toms,
Ruthless Toms
Searching homes,
Visiting the country
As for
The freedom fighters,
Patriots
Rebels and revolutionaries,
Patriots and nationalists.

In their military dress,
Boots and caps,
Packing to go,
Wherever sent to
During trouble and tribulation,
Tension brewing
To control, rein in,
Take charge of
The barrack men,
Camp men
Made for war, war.