Renounce Violence Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

I have given enough of thought
As so much blood was shed and wars were fought
There is going to be no end for desires
I consider my self as goon or murderer on hire

I stood in war zone and saw scattered bodies
They were rotting in field and covered by flies
Vultures were making desperate bid to have pound of flash
What was I counting upon or victory to cash?

It just invaded my mind to think for awhile
What was I going to give this world in my style?
I have conquered over enemy and annihilated whole army
No one may dare to raise rebellion and may not be thought even by many

I stop chariot in middle
I hear deep cries and sense trouble
What was I doing for my own kingdom?
Did I think it for split of second seldom?

How many innocents have lost their lives?
How many among them may have wanted to relieve?
This holocaust of miseries and live with near ones
I felt so much in spine and thought for someone

I have done great damage to this world
The territory might have been brought under fold
I thought for awhile and asked, but at what cost?
Was I to celebrate it with great triumph and toast?

I asked repeatedly and shook the conscience
I have only to repent and regret hence
How many lives have been lost for my greedy ambition?
Is it the only way to satisfy and console the inhibition?

I get no answer and it troubles
I realize now that life is like water bubbles
I must go and bow the head to the feet of lord
Listen to what He has to offer me as final words

I shall lay down worldly life and lead humble one
I need to answer one day to someone
Many souls may search for me and seek an answer
I may have none to reply forever

I turn down complete kingdom to service
Renounce violence and seek his bless
Entire life may go now to the services of poor
Whole of my family may turn ordinary and seek blessings from door to door

* based on Ashok the great’s life