Soldier vs Civilian life

At eighteen years, we bid goodbye,
Under the same vast, open sky.
You chose the campus, the books, the glee,
I chose the uniform, the land, the free.

You chased the degree, the corporate light,
I embraced the trenches, the endless fight.
Your day began with the morning sun,
Mine started before the day had won.

For you, a package, a bonus, a car,
For me, the weight of a metal star.
You climbed the ladder, wealth in hand,
I swore an oath to protect this land.

On Diwali nights, your lamps were lit,
In freezing bunkers, I did sit.
You held your wife, her smile so wide,
Mine only prayed that I survived.
We both returned, the journeys end,

But different fates await us, friend.
You wiped her tears, a gentle touch,
I could not offer half as much.
You hugged her close, warm and pressed,

While I lay cold, in tricolor dressed.
My watch has ended, yours goes on,
We both left home... but one is gone.

Written by ~ Yash Sharma