The Weary Traveller in the Ethnic Conflict Zone

Dr Ranbir Laishram
What lies beyond the conflict buffer zone?
At the foothills and green hilltops
Capped with thatched bunkers
And people in  combat dress

I can't know what lies ahead
Until I reach the edge of my village
I fear the journey long though
And my feet ache and burn.

I long to see my sweet home,
It has been months since I left
Although, I wish to see my home
I fear, it could surely be my death

And though weary he was
He kept walking alone
With a hope to have a glimpse of his house
He stopped at the bend behind a tree.


However,what he saw has devastated him
His house raged to the ground, half burnt
With all his hopes shattered
He almost lost his own self

With teary eyes he gathered his emotion
His subconscious mind said -
"My sweet home, I miss you dearly,
Please forgive me, I couldn't save you "