The following poem was presented at The International Society of Poets’ Convention and Symposium held in Washington D.C. on 19th August 2005 at which I received the ‘Outstanding Achievement in Poetry’ Award.
SITA ASKS
Eleven months in Ravana’s Lanka
In tears and grief with no relief
Save thoughts of you
My Ram, Sri Ram
To prove my virtue
Had not been tainted
To appease the crowd
That doted on you
You deemed it needful
I enter the pyre
A test of faith
The burning pew
Agni Deva led me through
His fiery presence burning seething
To peace and calm vows renewed
Though my heart was hurting bleeding
I ponder now O Ram, Sri Ram
Had my body turned to ashes
In your deed of righteousness
Pawning my life in the embers
Would you not have crowned
As your consort another bedmate
A dutiful woman doubtless royal
The purity within me
Needs no testing
Nor penance
Severe or slight
Though an incarnation
Of Vishnu the serpent-hooded
You were born a man
Handsome godly full-blooded
Not fully absolved nor dissolved
Of the temptation of woman
Show yourself worthy Ram Sri Ram
Of my selfless devotion pure divine
Step into the fire Ram O Ram
Prove your chastity
As I did mine.
പ്രഭ
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