DAYS BEFORE THE DAIS

When abnormality becomes normal, normal should change his name.
“Obey without Complain” sometimes explains the game
Yet it is said as “before”. No! Which day again?
After I’ve endured the pain?
Or after I’ve stood in the pitiless rain
Just so my tears I hide and from my chin I clean the stain?
Ho! But I will find out from the days.
“This too shall pass”; just remember this phrase
And whether it hurries or it stays
Sooner or later we will be at the dais
“Left, right, left, right” will simmer into cheers of praise
When your drills make you blaze trails
And your stars follow as rows of maize.
The sacks were full at the riverside, that hometown of glorious paydays.
For this joy, a soldier cried; and when it came, tears didn’t dry.
Those who looked up saw colours fly;
There was fire in every eye.
They looked and saw such intensity of light;
Soldiers chanting with all their hearts and might,
“We stand up, we get up! We stand up for your right
Stay high yourself, don’t just fly the kite.
Eyes right, but keep your shadows behind.
Wake up and put on your pride
For you died, but now you rise.
You indeed run – pick up the prize.