To Amrapali Poem by Sasanka Sekhar Panda

Under the weight
of that unknown night, Amrapali*
something pierced into the
dark joint of your thighs
making the sparkling of lightening
and as if
cool breeze blew
through your silky hair
and as if
thousands of armed mercenaries
became alert
to chain the deceived enemies
in your eyes.

The whole air of Vaishali city
was filled with
murmurs of irritating tongues,
all silence condensed
in the Assembly of Elders
and through ballots
they turned you an unchaste virgin.

Till your blossoming days
your life was like a coralline,
a sea shell, subtly colored,
your look was like
that of an innocent deer.

Then commenced the agonizing days
and the tears you shed every moment
silently by suffering in the human jungle
of fraud, debauchery and deception.

Amrapali! How could you live
in such a rude weather?

Atlast the smashed joy
reappeared in your heart
and found eternity
at the feet of Buddha,
Joy and ecstasy was
painted in the violet dawn.

* Amrapali: A renowned courtesan of Buddha's time,
who embraced Buddhism and took shelter at the feet of Buddha.