Seeta, a pity.

Seeta, you are a noble lady,

So chaste, so modest and so graceful.

Rama is your noble lord,

So virtuous, so chivalrous and so truthful.

Ravna is your bitter lover,

So passionate, so devoted and so lustful.

Rama waged a war to redeem you.

Ravna laid his life to retain you.

Rama loved you, as you are his wife.

Ravna wanted you for what you are.

Rama tested you by fire.

If you failed, what would be your fate?

Could Ravna do so, if he were in Rama’s

shoes?

Love of Rama is conditional

Love of Ravna is categorical.

Rama loves you; Ravna devours you.

You are second to none to Ravna,

Who lost everything for you and

Who could do anything for you?

Have not you committed a sin

In being the cause for killing

a loving dog?

The love for keeping chastity,

More than you love for Rama,

Weighed on you to reject Ravna.

The love for your chastity,

Rather than his love for you,

Weighed on Rama to own you back.

Ravna’s love for you is pure.

He desired you more than Rama did.

You would have lived more vividly

Had you met Ravna first and married.

Instead, you were at loss to earn a sin.

I pity you.

06.06.2002, pakd

[Based on the Hindu Epic Ramayana]