Then there is a moment

A lone traveler on the dunes of time
Bogged down by bonds and layers
Enacting my part better called mime
Racing for the end unaware of players
Then there is a moment where i stop and ponder
What am I and what is my purpose here

Mirages and images of true self and others
There is no way to find how your reflection falls
Is my character well sculpted, should I even bother?
Is it white or black or do you have an image at all?
Then there is a moment where you stand and stare
A look at the mirrors and you stop to care

Still you are pushed, pulled and trodden by the crowd
For you have to clean and rub until the mirror shines
So you wipe, strive with it unaware of the sun and clouds
You slog, you curse, you cry, fill the world with your whines
Then there is a moment, when you crack up under pressure
A glance at the reflection, it is not an iota fresher


You world stands still, and the race does not matter
For you realize, it is a mirage, the race is in the mirror
The reflections don’t matter, the former one or latter
For it is who you are, smile at the mirror with fervor
Then there is moment, when it dawns upon you, it is all too late
Taking the last step in the journey, we all curse fate

Draupadi

I stare down from the stars
Wonder where the story changed course
Being portrayed as cause of the wars
When I was jeered at and humiliated by force?


Being shared by five men was written in my fate
I was not loved and wed, but a prize for their skill
I never felt belonged was just served on a plate
A plate you could pass on when you had your fill


I still wonder the way they staked me for dice
Was I a partner for life, prize or property?
Palace stood helpless, witness of the vice
Now they raise a brow; put a mark on my chastity?


Yet I hear the stories being told below
Kurukshetra was a great war, Draupadi sowed the seed
A woman caused the war, meaning the men were mellow?
I had only lived my life serving their need and feed


No, the war was not due to need of power and greed of land
No, the war was not due to injustice served and ego of the clans
No, the war was not due to wronged men and righteous stand
No, the war was not due to game of dice and scheming plans


The war was due to a woman and her coveted beauty
The war was due to her revenge, which they felt was their duty
Strange are the reasons, stranger are the prejudices
The blame lies with me, while they are remembered for their virtues!!

 

Pic courtesy:www.hinduyuva.org

 

This poem is meant to put forward a possible angle of Draupadi's feelings.

It's purpouse is not to question/demean any of our great epic characters.

 

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