BIJAYANANDA MISHRA

 

THE ALTAR OF DUTY

Humans speculate that good food, a roof,

A cloth and assets work hard proof,

Untiring effort, dream manifest zest,

Fruitful reality, in front happily rests, (1)

 

The symphony touches events of life,

The melody is melancholic, stay strife,

The smile and laughter on the ornate face,

The crestfallen heart pain disgrace, (2)

 

The mind and sand castle crumble,

Aspiration, a creeper, duly grumbles,

Build house path and infrastructure,

Calamity sweeps away all encounters, (3)

 

There burns a lamp of courage bright,

Stubborn and ingenious minds fight,

Daring to face death, losing their life,

Saving from the teeth of death or strife, (4)

 

Astonishing aspect, protects at odds,

Forest fire, cyclone storm, or floods,

Chest deep water blizzard or fume,

Human proceed faultlessly resume, (5)

 

Lost in an avalanche, mudslide, and rocks,

Untraceable for good serve socks,

Family misses people are grateful,

Immortal is service driving dutiful, (6)

 

Calamity passes catalyst rebuilds,

Memory etched the past shields,

Candle burns bright, show a lesson,

Inspire a generation, no emotion, (7)

 

Do or die, defy eventuality boldly,

Courage inborn rejects fear coldly,

The altar of duty, yet life precious,

Sacrifice or sacrilege feels obvious. (viii)

 

Written by: Bijayananda Mishra

Date of writing: 12th October 2025

Themes: Saving, sacrificing life

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