Mb082. The Second Of The Battle Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

In a "heron" formation,
Each one on a location,
Took his assigned position
In Pandavas' demarcation.

Duryodhana had over confidence,
‘Cause of the first day performance,
When the Pandavas played defensive,
Against the Kauravas' offensives.

Arjuna shot an arrow,
Straight it went narrow,
Almost near Bhisma's feet,
As a mark of his respect.

Then shots after shots,
Both exchanged in lots.
Arjuna's shots hit Drona,
Kripa, Vikrama and Salya.

Horses, elephants in hundreds,
And soldiers in thousands,
They perished on both sides,
Smashed chariots besides.

Duryodhana saw this set back,
He felt now why Karna went back?
As he would have tackled Arjuna,
Who was the favourite of Bhisma.

He couldn't control his anger,
As Arjuna was posing a danger.
He blamed Bhisma as inactive,
And made remarks provocative.

Deeply hurt by his insinuation,
Bhisma started his aggression,
Arrows after arrows he shot,
Havoc on enemies they brought.

Arjuna and Krishna were hit,
Bhisma was simultaneously hurt,
Kalinga forces were under attack.
To help them Bhisma went back.

By then Arjuna massacred many,
He pushed back Kuravas' army.
Bhima with his mace sturdy,
He knocked down everybody.

Arjuna took a very heavy toll.
Undauntedly he played his role.
All praised Arjuna's valour.
At sunset the battle was over.