Ruined Emperor Poem by SREEJITH KULAPARAMBIL

Oh! Lord!
King of Kings!
You were the most powerful emperor
I had ever seen

Alas! What a pity!
Now your kingdom is no more yours
The wind of fortune, sung a hostile tune
Victory kissed the feet of your enemy
Your friends and kins left you alone
Now you are standing bare feet
On this barren land
Under the scorching heat of Sun

Where have those days gone!
When, thou words were command for your people
Where have those days gone!
When, enemies fled with the sight of your shadow
Where have those days gone!
When merchants made bee line-
to offer you their hoarded wealth
Where have those days gone!
When, you had beautiful maidens around you
Who, enchanted you with their youthful essence
Where have those days gone!
When, you laid only on silky mattress,
Wore only the finest leathers on your feet
Where have those days gone!
When, the glasses of wine never left your lips

Everything passes away with the time
Nothing stands there forever
The ultimate truth is revealed
We are all travelers in the caravan of life
Nothing we brought along with us
Nothing will be taken to the ultimate abode

Now stop not, but flow,
Along with the currents of river called “life”
Step aside from those momentary pleasures
They are nothing but fugitive emotions

Walk along the path of renunciation
Watching the mind’s guileful behaviour
No two remains there for long
The clouds of ignorance will move away
When the gust of inner knowledge sway
Revealing the serene soul
Shining brightly,
Spreading rays of thousand Suns.

sreejith