TELL MAMA...

Tell mama that I wasn't trained to live

I'm meant to protect her from the enemies of our habitation

Whether I live or die, I'm proud to fight for her peace of mind. 

I know she would miss me

I know I would miss her

I would miss those lines of wrinkle beside her eyes when she smiles

How she watches me eat like I would get choked if she takes her eyes off me

I know… 

I know she didn't want me to leave 

I couldn't take a leave as well

So I'd rather get shot than watch her die

Than withstand our houses that bear our family histories burn down,

Than watch life sniff breath out of our culture, 

And make our soil wet from indigenous blood.

Tell mama that a soldier is known in the battle field

Even when the flesh is weak, the spirit will be willing. 

Tell her that every stride I took towards the enemy was for freedom

Every shot was to scare fear away from our mind

And my death alongside my brothers' is to restore our lost dignity. 

Tell mama how hard I fought to stay alive

I know she is ready to accept my bartered self

But when death becomes the only option, who am I but a soldier? 

Remember me for the choice I made to defend the civilians,

It is to keep our lineage in existence 

And not to take away the smile and happiness that define us as a people.

Tell mama I love her

That's why I made this choice. 

I'm sorry mama I couldn't make it alive.