Life's stark simplicity
flows warm in the blood stream
of the shot down enemy.

His groans and screams
fill the innocence of air,
senses toss and turn in despair.

Fear of death sustains his breath,
drooping alertness sparks
flashing the aloofness of future.

Silence crawls panting and sweating,
injuries soak slithering moments,
breaking news melts like butter.

© Kakoli Ghosh

Published in Ghorsowar Magazine, Sept’21)