- hashtagkalakar
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
By Rithika Lyer
Born out of fire and flames
History proudly proclaims
But was caught in life's game
And put to dreadful shame
Was I the reason for a battle so gory?
That is etched upon this land's story
Didn't my respect and glory
Mean anything to the writings of history?
Born with a silver spoon, they say
Oh! How do I convey
That my life paved the way
To a future of gore and decay
Crowned a Princess by birth
But had no voice or mirth
On this land, they call Mother Earth
Covered in jewels to appeal
Cloaked in dresses to reveal
Not one cared about my voice of steel
And pushed me to seal my zeal
The only one I could confide in
Was a man with a charming grin?
He stood by me through thick and thin
And played a song to let out all within
Married to five men
All of who sought the same again
Was I blessed?
Or had no choice but to stay oppressed?
Oh! How fortunate I to have Five mates
If not one, another awaits
Little do they know, life beyond the gates
I don't bother to share
Their names and values so fair
For I am sure you are aware
Of their might and compare
But not a soul did care
For me and my despair
As for them, the war to prepare
Were their love and daily affair.
Oh! My mates, you say, the war was for my dignity
But the truth is that my dignity
Was a cover-up for your bitter enmity?
You say your enemies put me to shame
I say you are equal to blame
A few words of wrath will defame
You and that wretched game
I was gambled away
By my mate that day
For the respect, he lost in worthless play
I was stripped of my wear
In front of all, everyone is aware
But all my mates stood to bare
Their faces in deep despair
Not one flinched to spare
Me and my pride from the vengeful snare
Yes, I hurt a man's pride
And I am worth ruthless deride
But ripping my dress
In front of lust-filled noblesse
Is sinful and horrifying oppress
Guided by a divine light
I gathered all my might
And cursed them all despite
My state and plight
With words so cruel
I marked the beginning of a war and duel
People say I was selfish, so be it
I refuse to kneel and sit
Or accept my disgrace and quit
For thirteen years in exile and away
I patiently waited to avenge and repay
I counted every second and lay
Plotting to trap each and every prey
There is a secret I wish to reveal
But promise to conceal
How I feel
About the man in the golden shield
Yes, I have forgiven him
For I love him to my heart's brim
But cannot forget the act so grim
All while he played the poor victim
For days, the war was at play
Both sides fought to display
Their might to everyone's dismay
I lost my love and kin
Along with all the happiness within
Did I sin?
Only wishing upon my win?
Yes! I won
But what of the lives that came undone
Post the battle that had begun
I lost so much.
Was it worth all the grudge?
I sought to avenge
In blind and cruel revenge.
My mates' consorts
Snarled at me in deep distraught
For my impulsive thought
That put all through misery of a dreadful sort
I thought all will support me
And avenge my plea in earnest glee
For I have been wronged
For years prolonged
I have been alone
For most of my life, I've known
I've sat on a throne
And also been thrown
By all I own
Bearing every shame like a stone
My courage I will never lose
Through time and abuse
But what of all that is dead
Including my future ahead
This is my life
And I will wield my knife
Time and again to fight, to strife
I had pleasures of all kinds
But what resides behind the blinds
Is misery and sorrow that winds and unwinds
I lived on
Every day from dusk till dawn
Patiently waiting to be gone
After years of reign that flew by
My mates and I left to die
While climbing a mountain so high
I fell to my death with a silent sigh
My life, I believe
Was meant to grieve
But all I seek to achieve
Is to let you know my weave
Of the story before, an opinion you conceive
By Rithika Lyer