Facets of the war- the Mahabharata ©

Draupadi
Intrepid brave archer my one true love
Shared wife, mother’s command my duty
Shame me in public, cursed Kuru clan
Stake me , lose me, what worth this truth?
Not even heaven reach fall such depth.
But ‘tweren’t for me were there a war?


Kunti
Always five sons have I war or no war
Found eldest; again loose him- mother’s love
Drowned beloved eldest my shame’s depth
Five sons no six-different Gods, my duty
Senseless slaughter, or greater truth?
Never again another such great clan.


Karna
Intertwined inexplicably with their clan
Friendship seals my side in the war
Mother forsook, brother strike- only that truth
Spare my sons, price of motherly love
Even the Gods conned- yet did my duty
Treachery felled, justice where thy depth


Krishna
Good triumphs forever: truth in depth
Brother ‘gainst brother rent the clan
Not reward the focus but only duty
Consequences more important than war
Let all rise above emotion specially love
The end all the be all , encompassing truth.


Bhishma
Ablest but to shadow retreat , my oath my truth
Mother Ganges on earth, solace in thy depth
No woman ever, only my pledge my love
Abandon right for wrong, so serve the clan
Heavy heart, yet still fight a bloody war
My only rationale being ‘twas my duty96


Shikhandi
Neither man nor woman; death my duty
Myself forsook, revenge my only truth
Only human shield to be used in the war
Did I want this, no fate probed the depth
A eunuch felled the mighty Kuru clan
Nevermore anyone cross a woman in love


In the heat of battle depth of war
Internal clan strife, o’erpowered love
E’en over duty let shine eternal truth.