DRAUPADI -XIII

 

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - XIII

The ceremonial welcome lingered

till late night, the drums, clarinets, conches

played to dance rhythms while Vasudev

won one and all in Drupad's palace.

His winsome smiles and witty interventions

to Drupad's political queries and  his proud

assertions of certainty, military powers

Vasudev punctured with sharp wisdom,

making Drupad cover his shame

with courteous silence.

 

 

At the Royal Banquet Draupadi personally

served Krishna charmed by his radiance

of eyes, mind and his all knowing smile;

how can a human be so angelic in smile

so penetrative in political perceptions and

so jocular at the dining place, asking for

more of everything making Draupadi run.

"Have your own food Draupadi, don't sweat

for me, come sit by my side and eat".

 

Draupadi enjoyed serving him and  wished

she had the chance to serve him more and more

till mortality enveloped her consciousness

in perennial bliss of a life fulfilled:

like a  mind reader krishna had quipped

'Pass  me the kheer Draupadi , give me more!'

 

Draupadi returned to her chamber happy

for Krishna had promised to speak to her

in the garden escortless and free,

how will she prepare herself in body and mind

what  will he say , what will she speak.

She rolled on the bed caught between

uncontrolled anticipation and awe,

sleep evaded her eyes till the stars

were down the sunwashed hills afar.