Unveiling Valour Within

By Keerthana Vasudevan

In the halls of kings, where power reigns supreme,

I, Draupadi, stand caught in a haunting dream.

Clothed in silks, yet stripped of dignity's light,

My heart a squall, raging through the night.

They call me queen, yet I am but a pawn,

In this game of thrones, where honour's gone.

Five husbands sworn to protect and to cherish,

Yet none can shield me from this anguish.

As hands reach out, to tear my robes apart,

I feel the searing pain pierce through my heart.

Each shred of fabric, a shred of my pride,

Torn away, as shame becomes my guide.

Oh, Krishna, do you watch from the heavens above?

As I face this trial, this test of love.

Do you see the tears that stain my face,

As I plead for mercy, in this cursed place?

Yet even in darkness, a flicker of hope,

As I cling to faith, and try to cope.

For in my soul, a fire still burns bright,

A flame of courage, against the darkest night.

For though they strip me of cloth and of name,

My spirit soars, untouched by shame.

For I am Draupadi, daughter of kings,

And from my strength, a new dawn springs.

So let them take their cloth, their vain disguise,

For within me, true honour lies.

And though this moment may be dark and grim,

I stand tall, for justice shall win.

By Keerthana Vasudevan