Sunday 16 May 2021

DRAUPADI - XX

 

 Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - XX


The buzz around was riotous

everyone was on his toes, running

laughing, and joking in free elation,

King Drupad was issuing orders

tents were  being raised in the city

domes, cones, big, bigger, larger

gold, purple, scarlet shades arose

rainbows  descended with spectral magic.

Brother was instructing artisans

shelters, stables, sheds for horses and soldiers

must be completed within seven days,

Thousands worked day and night

thousands carried store provisions,

the sight filled the eyes and ears

the guests would arrive, Princes,

Kings, Courtiers, soldiers, guards

chariots innumerable will raise dust

in the streets of Kampilya: the Palace

with a fresh paint and fortifications

must look like heaven's joy

spread over Drupad's mighty kingdom.

 

Draupadi saw and heard,

anticipation in the air is now

a happening reality in the making,

while returning from the library

after reading on archery and strategy

she accosted her brother Dhristadyumna

who taunted her: See sister

for your grand send off how I sweat

Draupadi smiled:  Good for your fat

you will look streamlined and

Princesses will fawn on you:

Am I not handsome and fit?

O' You are, you will be a killer.

A roll of laughter arose

in the ladies camp, she couldn't

guess what it was, she paused

and stepped up towards it.

 

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