Mb093. Drona As The Next Commander Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

Bhisma from his own hand,
He bought his tragic end.
His life, up he gave,
Other lives, to save.

A life of sacrifice he led,
Right from his days lad.
His support to the prince bad,
It brought him an end sad.

Had Shikandin not come in front,
The story would be different.
His death appeared more as a suicide,
In favour of victory on Pandavas' side

To replace this great warrior,
Who was the next superior?
Karna was the general choice,
Duryodhana heard it in one voice.

Karna was now brought in,
Unanimous was this decision.
Before taking over he went,
To get Bhisma's consent.

He then took charge,
His duty to discharge.
Happy Duryodhana became,
Back when Karna came.

The next in command is who?
Karna's name came as a clue.
But he chose the teacher Drona,
It was seconded by Duryodhana.

Drona acceptable to everyone,
Also he was the senior-most one.
Though a Brahmin by birth,
In martial arts, he had his worth.

To Drona they then went,
And prayed for his consent.
He readily agreed to lead,
As a commander to head.

With Drona as Chief of war,
The hope of winning the war,
Up it raised in Duryodhana's mind.
To achieve it, he was behind.