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Slaved Love of Anarkali

Her name was Anarkali, an eloquent carnival of legendary beauty. a dancer in the court of Emperor Akbar. Deep russet rouge blushed her red, a silky smile on her rosy peach cheeks rich, sensual and seductive... With the sweet scent of jasmine, and festal moonlight of crystal starred sky, the damsel danced her way to Salim's heart. A charmed Prince reverberated in her dreams in rhythm of a daisy swaying in his breeze. Entranced in her emollient ecstasy Captured in the cage of her beautiful eyes. Love blossomed like a dazzling wildfire. But a sinister callous world, was eager to kill. Passion handcuffed by shackled royal ego, Anarkali was sentenced to be entombed alive. Behind a wall of stones and prison bars, Blood still throbbed her myriad unseen scars. As vibrant colors of a sunset blurred, An enslaved moth danced to flames of death. As chimes of Ghungroo* muffled in mutenes, An enslaved soul emancipated in darkness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anarkali in Urdu means Pomegranate blossoms *Ghungroo is an ornament of bells worn as anklets by dancers. The love story of Prince Salim ( Mughal Emperor Jahangir) and Anarkali is legendary. Anarkali, also known as Nadira Begum, was a courtesan from Lahore in modern-day Pakistan. According to one of the stories, Anarkali had a relationship with the Crown Prince Jahangir and the Mughal Emperor Akbar had her enclosed in a wall where she died. 4th July 2019 Sponsor John Hamilton Contest Name : Slave to love

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 6/22/2020 8:57:00 PM
Debjani, you have related this sad tale exquisitely! Thank you for including the meaning of words below your poem for a better understanding of your poem. So beautiful I am saving it to my Faves! Congratulations on your deserving podium win! Blessings xxoo
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Date: 6/22/2020 1:31:00 AM
This is such an amazing effort of yours to portray the beautiful story. Your words are rich with imagery, emotions and royalty that reflects the true story of Anarkali. Love how you blend the reference of ghunghroo. Congratulations on your splendid win for this one. Glad I got to read this! :)
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Date: 6/21/2020 11:09:00 AM
I am enthralled with the beautiful and elegant artistic expression of your poem, Dejani; "Captured in the cage of her beautiful eyes." - amazing and intimate imagery.. A stunning and captivating piece. Congratulations on your excellent win in Chantelle's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Date: 6/19/2020 1:53:00 PM
wow, what a story this is!! Thanks so much for sharing this part of your culture and I am glad you got a win with this poem. Congrats, Debjani.
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Date: 7/6/2019 6:11:00 AM
You have shown us a myth in such wonderful imagery; I did not know before that you could use imagery to show a human. Wow for you. Bravo!
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Date: 7/4/2019 8:10:00 AM
You captured the great love story elegantly in the beautiful verse.
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