ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem LEGACY OF COMPASSION apeals to the conscience of a Chola king, reminding him of his noble lineage — particularly King Sibi, who once sacrificed his own flesh to save a dove in distress. The speaker pleads for the lives of innocent children, highlighting their humble origins as descendants of farmers who toil hard and suffer silently. These children, though terrified and fatherless, stood bravely even as the royal elephant approached them. They embody humility, silent endurance and respect for royal authority. The speaker urges the king to reflect on these truths and act with compassion. Moved by the appeal, the king, Killi Valavan, chooses mercy over violence and protects the children.
LEGACY OF COMPASSION
You are born of the lineage
of that Chola king — Sibi —
who gave his flesh to spare a dove
its sorrow.
These children you now behold —
they are the offspring of men
who plough the stubborn earth
and feed the land before feeding themselves.
Seeing the farmers' pain,
a just king once trembled within
and gave what little he had,
so none would starve.
These children —
they saw your elephant charge,
watched it come to trample them down,
yet swallowed their tears,
forgot their fatherless cries,
and stood still.
They are the kind
whose hearts ache in silence
at the sight of strangers
seated bold in the royal hall —
their wonder, their unease,
they bury within.
Now that you have heard me —
weighed my words
against the weight of your will —
do what your heart commands.
{ KILLI VALAVAN, MOVED BY THIS CHOSE NOT TO KILL THE CHILDREN BUT TO PROTECT THEM }
PURANANURU - 46
POET: KOVUR KILAR
PATRON : KILLI VALAVAN, THE CHOLA WHO PASSED AWAY AT KULAMUTTRAM
