Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's
DRAUPADI - XVI
Krishna returned the next morning
to a grand send off with gifts galore
swallowing her half formed words in silence,
Krishna the all knowing placed his hands
on Draupadi's shoulder seriously smiling
Hey Sakhi, don't make my parting grim
smile your farewell and wish me success
my mission ahead is a tight rope walk
I need my Sakhi's love to wade through
the fateful slushy territory with valour:
Draupadi relaxed a smile and whispered
no thorn will sear your skin nor failure
will deter you from your destined vision
Dear Sakha just remember, there is your
alluring Sakhi strewing jasmine buds all the way
and worshipping your name in all her orisons.
The parting was joyous and clamorous
Krishna's entourage left pleased and happy
she stood at her gates till the distant dust
settled in her heart to a blank silence.
Back in her lonely chamber she brooded,
Swayambara! Why and what for? Is marriage
such an urgent need?
For whom the ceremony,
If Swayambara is for me, I must choose
my life's co-journeyer, a man of honour,
valour, witty decoder of life's puzzles,
not simply a heroic archer, not a revenger
to satisfy my father's obsessive pride!
If I am to choose why should there be a test?
That too an Archery test of military skill,
Why not I test the Princes and assess
their nobility, grace, honour and love,
It's Love I need in life to overcome.
All worldly vicissitudes and complexities:
Am I not helpless being the king's daughter,
I am Princess for all, beautiful and wise
but am I a woman to chose my life
to live displaying my dream vision?
Her undulating heart chocked in uncertainty
she closed her eyes and moved inwards.
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