On Their Own Land

By Mardhiah Husna

The clueless young souls were crying,

the fearful ladies were hiding,

and the gentlemen were struggling.

One wondered if they had made mistakes

to be tortured mercilessly.

One wondered if they would be taken

to serve those ugly, scary beasts.

And one wondered if they would succeed

in protecting their precious ones.

Screaming, struggling, and begging,

they endured the countless pains,

just so they could be free,

on their own land.

Giving their blood, sweat, and tears,

standing on the battleground,

just so they could be free,

on their own land.

Fighting against heartless beasts,

and blood-sucking intruders,

just so they could be free,

on their own land.

And just like how heroes win,

they, at last, won the battle,

they are finally free,

on their own land.

Yet, decades after decades,

their stories were forgotten,

as if nothing had happened.

Their pains were not remembered,

as if nothing had happened.

Yes, some do appreciate them,

but, matter-of-fact, most do not.

Just like how heroes were destined

to be forgotten as time went by,

so did they, on their own land.