Lakshman's Love for Rama

Lord Rama came out of Kaikeyi’s room

With a face that was bright, far from gloom

Just like a lotus that was fresh and bloom

Not ever disturbed by the so called doom

Lakshman stood there with hands across his chest

He had completely lost his composure and rest

He looked with angry eyes at Rama with intent

Wondering how Rama could remain calm and content

Lakshman was Rama’s younger brother

But they were not begot by the same mother

Yet, they both were like soul and breath

Nothing would separate them, not even death

He had come to Kaikeyi’s apartment, a little late

And heard Kaikeyi playing with Rama’s fate

Unable to bear that injustice anymore

He had silently walked, outside the door

Rama understood His brother’s concern

The meaning of the look He could discern

He smiled with warmth and spoke to his brother

“Lakshman come, we’ll go see mother”

Though Lakshman was, within, boiling with rage

Without Rama’s consent he would not turn a page

So behind His brother, he silently went

Controlling his turmoil that was eager to vent

They both went to Kausalya’s place,

While she was invoking divine grace

For the sake of Rama, her precious son

The next to rule, in the lineage of the sun

The chamber maids informed her

That Ram and Lakshman had come there

She came with joy, like a cow to a calf

Kissed them blessings as if on God’s behalf

Rama then made her sit on a royal chair

Wondering in his heart, how she would bear

Fourteen years of long term separation

And of how he could disclose the untoward information

He then chose words to disclose the news

Careful not to apply any emotional hues

“Mother, I have taken a crucial decision

For which Father Himself can be an opposition

Yet, I have to do this for his honour

For, for my very life he is the donor”

“Son, Any decision you take must be right

Why would father object knowing your character’s might?”

“I’ve decided to live in the forest for fourteen years

This very thought brings in him endless tears”

Hearing this Kausalya started to sob

Pleading Rama not to take up the job

Rama became sad seeing His mother’s sorrow

Disturbed by this, Lakshman took up his arrow

He strung his bow and twitched it loud

In a moment he became a thunder cloud

In a fit of anger, like a lion he roared

To lofty heights his anger had soared

“Brother, being a Hero why do you worry

The cause of this trouble I’ve decided to bury

Just take up your bow and come with me

If you wish not to fight, leave it to me”

“I’ll tear Kaikeyi into a thousand pieces

And also her husband who silently eases

Not daring to speak against injustice

Pampering that seductive wife of his”

Rama smiled like a mother on seeing her child

Amused on seeing his brother, turn so wild

Asked Lakshman to give up arms and take some rest

And started to speak, caressing Lakshman’s cheeks and chest

“Brother, if you get angry and start to shoot

Even the hugest mountains you could uproot

But there is always a time to show your might

Not against our father you must propose to fight”

“Not because he’s our beloved father, I say this

He is already in pain, you must not add to his.

And those words of disrespect against our father

Never again speak them that’s my order”

Strangled by Rama’s words of love and truth

Lakshman contained in his heart, his wrath and ruth

And promised Rama that he will never speak like that

Hoping to get from Rama an appreciative pat

On seeing Lakshman get ready to fight

Kausalya felt there was hope at sight

But on seeing Rama control him

The hope she saw became dim

She then tried to join Rama in going to the wood

Rama explained to her that it would not be good

“Mother during your marriage you’ve taken a pledge

That you’ll live with Father, till his life is at edge”

“Moreover this is the time he’ll need you most

Now he may dislike Kaikeyi, being his host

He may come here soon wanting to stay with you.

Caring for his health would be up to you”

Not because she was convinced with the reason

But because she knew Rama was not like the season

Which often changes its stance from this to that

She decided to remain within her marriage mat

Thus Shri Rama, beloved to all

Decided to take up duty’s call

Fixing on Dharma his resolute mind

Putting love for his kin right behind

Guiding his mother to remain calm

And His brother to switch off the angry alarm

Which they had to do for the sake of Ram

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!