The prize
Siripathy Jayamaha
The monarchs of yore, were at the final viva, before the all knowing
chief,
Please, an oral presentation, of your own creations, that now belong
to history, pray do be brief.
‘We built the colleseum’ started one, an archtechural wonder, our
populace from leagues far away, to the mighty arena did flood.
Throwing up their night caps, drinking and betting, awaiting the
bugle call.
For our triumphant entry, togas fluttering, cheering unlimited,
awaiting for our hanky to dip - “Let the games begin” call.
Man against man, man against beast, to die or to live? should our
thumbs turn earthwards, mother earth gets soaked in Blood.
We built the sphynx, said another, also the wondrous Pyramids as
tombs filled with treasure, to reach the next world in glory.
Millions to see us, also as mummies, to all historians a perpetual
story,
We did the Great Wall, an edifice of defence, to ward off our
neighbours, with us, eternally at war,
Extending for miles, humans about to traverse it, from near or from
after gaze at it in awe,
I built the Taj Mahal - A monument of love, in memory of a sweet and
young spouse,
By moonlight or sunlight - beauty unsurpassed, visitors unlimited, a
tinge of pathos, laced with romance, in them did arouse.
We, dear Sir, left no palaces or tombs, nor any blood soaked arenas
said a regal sage from a very tiny Isle,
Neither any great walls, may be many dams to harness natures wonder -
life giving - water before it empties to the sea said he with a smile.
With anicuts and sluices, canals intricate, we stored natures gift
for our beloved subjects, their fertile land to irrigate.
What joy dear Sir, in seeing our smiling citizens, drinking, and
bathing, also irrigating from the water flowing through many a sluice
gate.
Constructions we did of many temples and stupas to honour a very
Enlightened Teacher,
To see the hallowed temple, the stupa and the water filled tank as an
ethereal cluster was a very common feature.
The Chief called for silence.
He stood up in all glory, resplendent in Radiance,
The monarchs in attendance saw the Chief wiping a tear,
Next, he called them to order and spoke in a voice very clear.
Utmost rapt attention, I did give, to all your briefs said the Chief,
Your flamboyant arrogance, and selfish talk filled me with grief.
They showed most vividly that your so called magnificent world was war
and killings, blood, debauchery, self glorification anticipating
immortalization
Yes! all except the kings from that resplendent Blessed Isle, who
bequeathed their then subjects, human, animal and plant, also the future
generation, the greatest gift of Nature - WATER - also a message, that
water is living civilization
Their far-sighted deeds does so aesthetically blend with a happy
mother nature
To them the prize - Their deeds indeed the world’s greatest wonder -
Ah what men of stature
Come my gracious majesties, come sit by my side - a memorable day for
us All
You are my guests, most honoured and exalted, please after you, to
the banquet hall
Such far thinking monarchs, righteous and sagacious on behalf of all
, celestial and terrestial I bow to you all. |
