Ashoka The one Without sorrow Devanampiya Piyadassi The beloved of the gods The beautiful one! So once had it happened Such a tale So great in amounts! There he came Like a wanton wind! To the mighty Kalinga After all It was his 'prestige' Oh sorry! His people's His kingdom's Prestige Just at stake Now it all began Wardrums heard Like the curses Falling from heaven 'Bherighosa' was the Order of the day! Swords struck People Kings Everyone In utter haywire To end in what? Yeah,just The digvijayi Ashoka Atop his Dreamland And a grave of dreams Hundred thousand Taken prisoners Hundred and fifty Thousand killed This is what Was left To fill his 'victorious' Eyes! Stood atop The Dhauli hill The crown of his new Acquired land But God had something Else in his hand There went These arrows Of such destruction Of crushed dreams Hollowed desires Of someone Whose soul Now had only The pyre of his holy Land To enjoy Such was this arrow Penetrating the Deepest corners Of the Great's Heart Something so fragile Though no one knew For all they'd seen Was a stone Without even a a drop Of a rare moisture Even a few! But this scene Had a profound Impact Just as if A stone of Conscience Came falling From unknown Empires And stirred A stagnant pond Took a vow Did he Instantly Gave up arms Shunned war And spread But only Peace Dhammaghosa Reigned Sound of peace Was heard Like the joyous songs Overflowing From heaven For a changed one For the Goodwill Of all those Who he now Had in his heart Allayed with A few drops Of just Something so precious After all Had he But gathered it In just a few moments O man! Prosperity and joy Are just awaiting To follow You Your footsteps Find it somewhere For it is Somewhere,somewhere So close to you! Find it!
Relevant even today When we wage wars For what??? What d'you think?