Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's
DRAUPADI - XL
Draupadi Greets
Subhadra
I advanced my smile spreading
from ear to ear, presented
Subhadra a gold basket of kamini
applied vermillion in sandal paste
on her broad forehead and said
opulent welcome beautiful Subhadra
second wife of my third husband
hope you shall be the first which
I could not be by a twist of events;
And my husband! hearty congratulations
on your glamorous choice, a prize
which I hope will not be atrophied:
come Subhadra come great Arjun
rituals await you to consummate
the vows of wedlock for conjugal bliss.
The conches blew
flower petals flew
a choric joy grew
the palace resonated
Vedic hymns vibrated
Yudhistir blessed the couple.
Draupadi took Subhadra's hand
never think or feel you have
done any wrong, be happy
give happiness to Arjun
you are my sister not rival
in love or co-wife in life
wipe off lines of doubt
shake off burden of guilt
give Arjun your wholesome love
be free in the palace, move
rightfully wherever wishes tend:
after the rituals on the altar
I' will take you to your bridal chamber
which I have decorated for you.
Radiant Subhadra stood stunned
she never gauged Draupadi's mind
never thought a woman
could accept
her rival as another woman separate
independent free to own what's morally
Her's, Draupadi's, by law mores and
process demonstrated before the world:
And what a gift of a
bridal chamber
a boat sailing to infinity of love
carnal, spiritual familial yet unreal.
Angels playing veena in mating stance
the lapping water swelling to receive
the thrust of oars in festal ecstasy
mirrors, clothes matching the splendour
of gem studded walls ivory bright
and everything in superfluous plenty
Subhadra knelt down at Draupadi's feet
and clasped her legs sobbing
pardon me sister for the presumed
misgivings and false apprehensions:
Draupadi picked her up and kissed her
Now now no tears to dampen life
poised on the pinnacle of jazzy joy.
Be yourself and live
as if you own
the universe by your innate virtues.
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