THE FORTRESS DOOR

I have stood for long, a long time 

and have seen centuries pass me by.

Memories keeps ticking like clock's chime

and I relieve those with a smile and sigh.

I have seen many a war and raging battle -

cannons blazing, swords clashing with shields.

Thunder, storms couldn't make me rattle -

seen martyrs born on the bloodied fields.

Mother blessed their lions off to war -

wives, daughters, sisters did the same.

Echo of undying spirit heard from afar -

while hero fell, glorified was their name.

Unyielding bravery - life after life I did see,

while time couldn't make me rust.

Stuck to a wall, there is pride in me -

though now I am covered with dust.

Elephants, horses took arrows and spears -

wounded though, it did never stop them.

Like their masters, overcame all fears -

now forgotten, but they rose to fame.

I'm adorned in iron and age-old wood -

the hinges like walls always stood tall.

I would be a witness, I know I should -

for centuries of glory, rise or fall. 

I have stood for long and for long I will;

future like the past would pass by me.

Cubs will turn into lions and a void fill;

I was witness to sacrifices and forever be.

Prasenjit©2023