Classic Poem

On a day of hunger, as I came near to the high gate and wishing
long life for its overlord stopped there to sing, I was thinking
“When song was planted in the ear of that strong man who never
could lie, who was like soothing shade in summer, then it would
bear fruit! But now the desire I treasured is worthless!
It is like empty fire blazing up in a cooking pot. It has
no value now! Death has been brazen enough to take life without
making any distinctions, without caring if the poor are fed!
Now without any rest the women beat their breasts in pain
and fragments of bangles are scattered like plantain flowers.
Those with eloquent tongues who came here in need are grieving
together with their families! Because the hero, he who wielded
his sharp spear, is gone to the salt land of the burning ground
overgrown with spurge and he has disappeared. May there be a curse
on Death!” If a tiger has spied out and brought down his prey
of an elephant on a high mountain but that elephant escapes,
the tiger will not search for a rat to catch! We will
instead go away from here as rapidly as the water of a river
rushing into the many waves of the ocean
and we will win good gifts! Rise up, my heart, and follow your resolve!