All come and go empty handed. The greatness is illusory, even for Alexander. |
ALEXANDER THE GREAT He, “Alexander the Great”! Pray, what was his greatness? He attacked, killed and plundered, Brought destruction, darkness. Not satisfied with power And the world’s best pleasures He sought to conquer the world And increase his treasures. Thus, he came to India Coveting its rich gold. But then quite a new chapter In his life did unfold. The Indian exposure Taught him the message true: The purely material One ought not to pursue. This probably made him tell His bedside attendants: ‘I now think that vain have been All my accomplishments’. Dying at thirty three, this Perception came to him, That the bid to conquer the World was a useless whim. It is said that as he died, He made three last wishes. First, his physicians alone Shall bear the coffin his. Second, the path to the grave Be stewed with gold, jewels That he had amassed during His battles and duels. Third, he came empty handed, Empty handed did go. Hands placed outside the coffin, Let this emptiness show”. • Written in abcb, 7-6-7-6 format M C Gupta 13 July 2008 |