Shakuntala

a poem by Bijay Kant Dubey

How would she have
When Dushyanta deserted her
And remembered it not
Who Shakuntala was,
Where did he meet
The apsara daughter,
The rishi kanya?

Shakuntala by the hermitage
A rishi kanya playful
In the bliss and bounty of Nature
Passing her time in the hermit’s cottage
Accompanied by companions,
Proposing to, succumbing, separating,
Giving birth to Bharat.

The recognition of Shakuntala
Through the ring
And the valour of the boy
As seen in being with the lion
He playing boldly,
How the story of kingship, royalty
And their courtship!