Yayati 6 - Yadu Poem by Unnikrishnan Sivasankara Menon

(44)

When I look back from here
I realise, I have erred.

Not in refusing the throne;
But declining to relinquish
My youth for my father.

The scriptures had taught me
Otherwise!

(45)

The throne was never mine.
I was old enough to decipher
The murmurs that lingered in
The corridors of the palace
Linking my name with that of
Kacha, the son of Brihaspati.

I am sure father knew the fact
But was gracious enough, not to
mention even to mother. He loved
Me more than even his sons.
Whatever I have is his; nothing
Mine. His was everything.

(46)

And Puru gave up everything
In return for nothing;
Proved the legitimate son.
Exchanged his youth for
the wrinkles father bore.
And refused the throne.

This moment he was young
Just turning fourteen
The next, old as the skies
Almost unable to stand erect.

Father nearly fell on his feet
To make him accept the empire.

And without hesitation,
He shared it with me.
So I became king too.

(47)

Prophets said 'you would
The favour to Puru return
Generations later, when
A noble descendant of yours
Will save from disaster
His progeny, the Puruvamsham.'


I wish it comes true, so
I can pay back at least
A fraction of my debt
Not just to Puru, but father too.