Poetic tribute to The Chaar Sahibzaade

Poetic Tribute To The Chaar Sahibzaade

By: Nirmolak Heera

We are the offspring of our King
Our worldly Father, Guru Gobind Singh
Listen up, take note, this is our story
Our ultimate sacrifice, our unique glory

We settled in Anandpur, the city of bliss
Learning Gatka, it was our wish
Horse riding, archery and self-defence
Being always prepared, the hours we spent

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

We were happy and content
Living life as it was meant
This was short lived; it was not to be
What then unfolded, made history

Despite taking an oath on the Holy Quran
The Mughal Empire had ulterior plans
Leave the fort; we will not attack
But when it came to honour, they turned their back

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

This was the moment; when we all separate
Crossing the Sirsa, before it’s too late
Never again did we reunite
Lost forever, in the darkest night

Then came the battle, of Chamkaur
The scene was set; we could resist no more
We sought thy blessing; we sought thy permission
Our brothers were calling; this was our mission

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

Setting the example for all to see
Walking the talk, not wanting to flee
Outnumbered we were, in the Battle of Chamkaur
Yet still no fear, no blame or flaw

We laid down our life, but even then,
It was our terms, our choice and when
Physical death we did not fear
Bole So Nihaal, was our constant cheer

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

Fighting the battle was not about the win
Standing up for the truth, for kith and kin
Tolerating injustice is a cowardly act
This was not our way; and we did not crack

Gangu, the servant had betrayed our Guru
In return for money he sold the truth
The Cold Tower lay in await
Fateh, Zorawar & Mata Gujri’s fate

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

We were offered treasures, money and more
Give up your faith, was their continuous call
Despite our tender ages of 6 & 9,
We stood firm, we committed no crime

What was our strength, how did we cope?
Mata Gujri, our Daadi, gave us hope
In her sangat,we both were told
Accept thy will, be true and bold

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

Late December, amidst chilly nights
No food, or shelter, this was our plight
Repeated torture to change our thought
But we couldn’t be broken; we couldn’t be bought

Moti Mehra, a Guru’s true Sikh
Served us hot milk, despite the risk
He showed courage, compassion and care
This was true seva and ever so rare

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

Mata Gujri, bid us farewell
Hugged us and told us not to dwell
You are the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
A saintly-soldier; A King of Kings

Brick them alive, then came the call
Make them stand, within a wall
They showed no mercy, and it must be said
When all else failed, they took our heads

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

We were only, 6 & 9
Remember our names and remember this time
The history books, will openly declare
The youngest Shaheeds, who had valour and dare

As you gather with family, relatives and friends
Reflect, discuss and change the trend
Tell your children, and all who care
A unique sacrifice, something so rare

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

They say that Christmas, is time of giving
Meeting loved ones, eating and living
For his beloved Khalsa, he gave us all
His parents and sons answered the call

As parents we care, for our offspring
Cherish and nurture them, we give everything
Our concerns and worries, are forever endless
And should anything happen, we become senseless

Zorawar, Fateh, Ajit te Jujhar
Shaheedi unha di kareyo yaad

Yet, here is a Father, who despite his loss
Gently taps us on the shoulder, in case we forgot
I gave you my parents and my dearest four
But I still have you; (the Khalsa), I need no more

This is my offering to all brother and sisters
My friends, loved ones and respected elders
Forgive my errors and any flaw
I’m nothing but a servant at the Gurus door

By Nirmal Singh (Slough)
25.12.2016

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