The birth of a noble prince

The thick grove of Sal trees,
In full bloom than ever before,
Filled the Garden of Lumbini
With fragrance so sweet
On a historic Day.

The sprightly dance of bees
To the tune of many a bird
Together with the flirting butterflies
Made a rare sight for the onlooker

Like the stars that glitter
In the deep vault of the night sky,
Flowers studded the canopy overhead
With the morning sun filtering through.

The whole garden was cushioned
With myriads of Sal flowers
The trees had shed than ever before
In preparation for the great event.

The morning dew drops
Sat upon the silky petals,
Oh? They shamed the Milky Way;
So wonderful to see!

The pantheon of Devas
Crowded impatiently on the trees
With cupped fair hands
Brimming with celestial flowers.

'Behold! The beauteous Maha Maya',
The Devas whispered in chorus,
The Royal Mother to be
Alighting from the palanquin,
Like the morning sun beyond the hills,
Followed by a retinue of young maids.'

Fanned by the gentle breeze,
Standing under a gracious tree,
Amidst the chorus of Sadu! Sadu!
Held she in no hurry,
A branch laden with flowers

Thus dawned the Unique Occasion
On that historic Vesak Full Moon Day:
The Royal Mother delivered to the world
A Noble Prince;
The Greatest Son ever born

The Noble Prince walked seven steps,
A lotus bloomed at each step,
And standing on the seventh
Proclaimed He to the world,
Loud and clear;

"I am the Greatest in the world.
I am the most senior.
I am the most supreme.
This is my last birth.
No more births I shall have".

Sajendra Kumara