Mb057. The Thirteenth Year Of Exile Incognito Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

The future, present and past,
The time thus rolls fast.
Will it wait for any one?
No, it moves on and on.

They spent twelve years,
Mixed with joy and tears.
Started the thirteenth year,
A testing period more severe.

Dhaumya, their great teacher,
Also their moral preacher,
Gave each one a parting advice,
That was very useful and nice.

They took leave of everyone.
In a place more secluded one,
They started the discussion,
On the future line of action.

"Oh great king, in my opinion,
Why not we go and stay in
A friendly country Matsya,
With its strong King Virata?

Arjuna gave this suggestion,
To Yudhishthira's satisfaction,
They told their plan of action,
How to hide from any detection?

"A nice courtier I shall be
The king's comfort to see,
With him I'll play dice
And give sensible advice."

Said the eldest, Yudhishthira.
Next to him told Bhima,
"I shall work as a cook,
After royal needs to look."

"Under the eunuch disguise,
That hangs on me as a curse,
I can teach music and dance,
To anyone availing this chance."

This way briefly told Arjuna.
The next turn came to Nakula,
"King's horses I'll attend, " he said,
They then turned Sahadeva's side.

"I'll tend the cows, " he said,
"Their cattle I shall guard."
"I shall work as a Sairandhri, "
Told in her turn Draupadi.

The treacherous one vice,
The terrible game of dice,
How it changed their fate?
To realize, it was too late.