Panchali

By Riya Sheth

I stare down from the stars 

Wonder when the story changed its cards

Being portrayed as cause of the wars

Or when Dushasan dragged me on the floors? 

Being shared by five men was a destiny I had to fulfill

I was not loved and wed, but a prize for their skills

I never felt like I belonged, was just a serve on a plate 

A plate you could pass on when you had your fill

I still wonder the way they gambled me for dice 

The way my hair was twisted and lugged

The way my saree was tugged

The way the court rich in cowards watched

With their mouths sewn shut

Was I a partner for life or a just prize for their lives? 

Palace stood helpless, witness of the vice

And Duryodhan was delighted at my humiliated sight 

Yet I hear the stories being told that,

I sowed Kurukshetra’s seed 

A woman caused the war, meaning the men were all clean? 

No, the war was not due to need of power and greed of lands 

No, the war was not due to injustice served and ego of the clans 

No, the war was not due to wronged men and their righteous stands 

No, the war was not due to game of dice and scheming plans 

The war was due to a woman and her coveted beauty 

The war was due to her revenge, which they felt was their duty 

Strange are the reasons, stranger are the prejudices 

The blame lies with me,

While they are celebrated for their gallantry!

By Riya Sheth