The River Ran Red: The Kalinga War Poem by Rani Turton

The river ran red; thousands died as they gave their lives
The king bowed his head; Widows and orphans this day
Families in mourning, and he, only he, was the cause.

The river ran red. Resistance at the cost of lives
Humans and animals died side by side
The mutilation and the pain, the Daya flowing red, flowing red
And thus it came about that

He knelt and cheeks wet, the King wept.

Edicts in stone that speak. Misery and bloodshed
But no glory. As far from glory as conscience can be
Watching the mayhem in misery..

The river ran red. The King wept.

Copyright: Rani Turton