This poem is inspired by the concept of Vishkanya (poison maidens) used by Chanakya during the Maurya Empire to kill enemies. The girls were selected and raised away from the families. They were subjected to small amounts of poison for years, and soon over time they developed strong immunity towards them. Their body fluids were filled with poison, hence kissing this girl leads to death as they are filled with poison. This tactic were used by Kings to get rid of their enemies.
Poison
The baby's cry woke him up,
Holding her tight, he walked the trail.
Born under the cursed white star,
Her scalp prickly like the writings in brail.
The king was waiting, in the massive hall,
With a cold heart, the plan was made.
The jewel in his hand, would soon be trained,
Lips red as a bud, eyes dark as jade.
Years were passing, she was raised well,
The poison was injected, tenderly a day.
Every minute that passed, she bore the pain,
One fine morning, the pain died away.
So she was ready, saw the King,
Years of hard work, now shall pay.
She was to be a poisonous maid,
All set to destroy, kill and fray.
The enemy's kingdom was a mountain away,
Along with others, she reached his land.
Slender in white, she danced with grace,
She moved fast, time was passing like sand.
The enemy watched the vision in white,
He asked her to follow as he made his way.
She did what she was taught to do,
Enemy now struck, foaming as he lay.
She escaped before the light of dawn,
In due time she reached her King.
He watched her, glistening with pride,
Her task completed, she was gifted his ring.
This is her fate, she is the poison maid,
Peacefully she drank, to her heart's fill.
She now lay awake, waiting for her King,
In time she is told, who is her next kill.
- Tanvi Karnik
Poison
The baby's cry woke him up,
Holding her tight, he walked the trail.
Born under the cursed white star,
Her scalp prickly like the writings in brail.
The king was waiting, in the massive hall,
With a cold heart, the plan was made.
The jewel in his hand, would soon be trained,
Lips red as a bud, eyes dark as jade.
Years were passing, she was raised well,
The poison was injected, tenderly a day.
Every minute that passed, she bore the pain,
One fine morning, the pain died away.
So she was ready, saw the King,
Years of hard work, now shall pay.
She was to be a poisonous maid,
All set to destroy, kill and fray.
The enemy's kingdom was a mountain away,
Along with others, she reached his land.
Slender in white, she danced with grace,
She moved fast, time was passing like sand.
The enemy watched the vision in white,
He asked her to follow as he made his way.
She did what she was taught to do,
Enemy now struck, foaming as he lay.
She escaped before the light of dawn,
In due time she reached her King.
He watched her, glistening with pride,
Her task completed, she was gifted his ring.
This is her fate, she is the poison maid,
Peacefully she drank, to her heart's fill.
She now lay awake, waiting for her King,
In time she is told, who is her next kill.
- Tanvi Karnik
