Open The Fire Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

“Fire” the word came out as the order from commander
It was move to stall the advancement and halt the invaders
They were large in numbers and move was little expected
He soldiers moved in readiness as were attacked

They were all ordered to move within short notice
It was breach of trust and violation of peace
Truce was not respected for greed of more land
The fresh soldiers were inducted to defend motherland

What can be more holy task than to defend the nation?
Why no one cares for life when its integrity is in question?
Such is spirit of young soldiers in army to protect boundary line
To shed the life in the service of motherland is considered as divine

I remember having answered one question put to me
I shall offer complete life if at all need arises or be
“What will be your priority in defending the country as free”?
I shall volunteer for army service and not attempt to flee

This kind of feeling was apparent in every able body person
We can’t think of in any terms when there is certainly no reason
Each individual is duty bound to offer voluntary service
As country’s independence can’t be equated with any price

Wars are not only costly but invites lots of destruction
Men and materials are lost to thwart such insurrections
No one benefits out of such mad adventure
Country is loosing in all terms as threatened with future

Skirmishes on the boundary is regular and routine feature
Enemy troops may intrude in territory fir adventure
Sometimes it may be repulsed and sometimes may succeed
But overall precaution may be taken to keep the boundaries free

As we heard the shout from the commander
The position was immediately taken to make them surrender
We had well trenched position and were not aught off the guard
They were halted with heavy casualties and stopped form moving forward

The gamble did not pay off and met with failure
We had worked hard in peace time and wonderfully assured
Not a bird was allowed to enter our land or air space
We were all well prepared to halt any chase


We were given praise by our immediate and superior officers
As we were sole custodian of country’s holy borders
Anything wrong on our part was to be condemned and taken as national shame
Slight deviation from the duty was certain to invite the blame