The Poet and the Emperor
The Emperor became disillusioned &frustrated
Renowned poets of the country gathered in king's court
To read inspiring verses to him
One poet, elegantly attired with gold button shirt, said in a deep voice
O, the great emperor, I have composed a ballad
Highlighting the glamour and heroism of your ancestors
You sure will regain your self esteem
And rule India with full confidence
Entire court room resonated with loud applause and ovation
As a reward, the poet received one hundred gold coins
Then came a poet with long curly hair
Wearing velvet cap and ornamented outfit and said
O the honorable one, the great god of India
I have composed the most amazing verses for you
You will feel burst of anger in each verse
And your desire for revenge will surpass your sense of frustration
King's court shuddered with loud applause
And he was awarded two thousand gold coins
Then came a poet wearing silk attire and a cap embroidered with precious stones
Wearing eye color and deer skin sandal
He came trampling rhythmically playing a musical bell and said
O the greatest emperor, the king of the solar system
I have composed the most amazing verses for you
Which will make your war drum play aloud, not stop
And you will be forever un-conquerable
Ear piercing uproar and applause reverberated
Poet's feet was flooded with three thousand gold coins
At last entered a poet pacing slowly
Humbly dressed, wearing white turban
With pensive look he said
O the honorable emperor, I spent many sleepless nights,
But could not come up with any verse which might please you
I failed, please forgive me the great emperor
Creepy silence shrouded the entire assembly room
Emperor was bewildered and speechless
Much later, it was known
The poet was Mirza Ghalib
Comments