The mural painted on the wall
Depicts a famous victory and a fall
The victorious emperor mounted on his regal horse
Surveys the battleground in deep remorse.
Orphaned children, widowed women,
Lamenting parents, bodies devoid of life,
Unclaimed weapons, maimed men,
Were seen strewn all over the battleground.
Emperor Ashoka of the Kalinga war
Shall never from our consciousness stray afar
For his was a victory that did not celebrate a fall
As depicted by the painter on the wall.
, , it is believed that he killed 99 of his brothers to get to the throne, , , but he was still wise enough to realize his mistakes and the dark side of the war after the kalinga war, sure we can learn from him, , atleast from the last phase of his life, , , a beautiful poem
very fine writing, I love it. Please read my poems and comment.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This poem is more powerful than a hundred poems that may be written against violence. An emperor who was shaken from head to foot by the sad spectacle of what he witnessed on the war front after the battle, resolves to stop all violence against man. Kalinga war was a turning point in his life. We see the transformation of a man who regretted his action and saw utter defeat in victory. History there after is replete with stories of what he did to atone his sins and beautify the lives of thousands of his subjects and their progeny! Enjoyed!