Ashoka's Atonement

The Battlefield of Kalinga                           (Image Source: Business Week)

Based on my beliefs I took up a fight

from your perspective you too were right,

I led into battle - my forces abound

Heavily outnumbered,  until your last breath, you held your ground

I celebrate and on the battlefield of Kalinga I walk
taken aback, sad, overwhelmed, consumed by shock,
Innumerable deaths - reasons aren't enough to justify
no cause is served by this colossal sacrifice

Is this justice, injustice, rout or gallantry
what is defeat if this is a victory,
And now that all is said and done
I contemplate and ponder if I really won

With blurry eyes, in vain, I atone
Kneeling next to a valiant knight's tombstone,
In Peace, love and harmony I believe
I shall spread the word and serve till I live.

Spread of Buddhism   (Image Source: http://www.buddhistedu.org)

Ashoka - Wiki