Fingers of fate

By K R Bharath Goutham

It was raining stones, Right and left I was thrashed, Yet I did not raise my hand, Surprisingly all I felt was pity. No anger, no remorse, Just pity. Pain was never getting through, I saw a familiar face, Among the people who beat me, Fear and disgust were there, I saw ugliness at its best, Looked upon my old self one last time.

I did not raise a finger against them, I crawled my way out of the mob, Towards my home and my guru, I saw him in all his serenity, His gaze took away all my pain, Lord Buddha was hope and light. Angulimala I was ; dreaded dacoit I was, I have slain hundreds, Wounded many more, My name itself struck fear in hearts of all, None dared cross my path, But one did. A person who moved like the breeze, His footfalls made the ground sing, I ran after him for his fingers, Yet at every turn he was ahead of me, I exhausted myself, Finally I stopped him by my voice. His words brought peace, His presence calmed my soul, He was no ordinary sage, He was one with nature itself, I fell at his feet, For he understood my pain. Lord Buddha showed me the light, He showed me the path, Now I lie on his lap taking my final breath, And I feel I am blessed, He looked at me like a child, I saw his divine face and completed my journey. Buddham sharanam gacchami.

By K R Bharath Goutham