Mb104. The Sixteenth Day Of The Battle Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

War leads to war, past events proved.
The sixteenth day of battle arrived.
Who should lead the army after Drona?
Karna was the choice of Aswatthama.

Pandavas army led by Bhima,
And Kauravas by Aswatthama,
They clashed against each other.
For rules they didn't much bother

Each one picked up his rival,
Not caring for self survival,
The battle went on till sunset,
They became tired and upset.

With remnants of the squad,
A severe fight Arjuna had.
None of them were spared,
They had their end sad.

Nakula was spared at one time,
Alive when Karna caught him.
Arjuna was his main target.
Not of his brothers, the rest.

"Today, no chance I had,
As Arjuna was with the squad,
And tomorrow I'll kill him.
With serpent dart, in no time."

"But a good charioteer I need,
To match with Krishna's speed.
Salya is the one, expert in steed.
My commands, he should heed."

Karna like this told Duryodhana,
Who replied, "I'll persuade Salya
Tomorrow to be your charioteer,
Our victory is not far off, but near."

Karna thanked him and said,
"By morrow, Arjuna will be dead
Thus I'll repay you my debt
Be sure and have no doubt."

The end of the day came.
Happy Duryodhana became,
On the Karna's final attempt,
And the victory that he dreamt.