Guards all Hideous
Swans as swim in blue waters
So did moon in Lankan skies.
It's as if moon wanted him
Espy Seetha's distressed self.
For the eyes of Hanuman then
Seetha seemed a sinking boat.
Seen then Hanuman in moonlight
All those guarding Rama's spouse.
Saw he many a single eyed
With no ears he many there found.
Baldish there were some of them
Had hair others from head to foot.
Many had there such drooping lips
Brushed which with their sagging breasts.
Midgets ugly were there too
With weird sentries in their scores. ,
Coarse all were they in discourse
Wore all sheepskin for their dress.
On their well built torsos some
Had there animal heads varied.
Had some of them camel feet
Moved while others on elephant legs.
On their beastly bodies some
Carried handsome human heads.
Noses had some there across
Had others vertical lips on them.
Tongues had many of carpet size
Hanged which on their wall like lips.
Ogresses such as kept an eye
On Rama's spouse in that garden.
Armed they were all to their teeth
With varied weapons of war carried.
Flesh they ate of every beast
Drank they blood from veins direct.
On guard was that hideous lot
Circled Seetha round the clock.
Bathed not Seetha in Lanka
Cared she not to comb her hair.
Pulled was Seetha thus forlorn
Weaned from Rama for so long.
Bereft though of she jewels
Love for her man lent aura.
Seemed she hapless deer no less
Strayed who into lions on prowl.
Looks she had of looking glass
Never once dusted for so long.
Failed that graceful Ravan's grove
To cheer despaired Rama's spouse.
Sans her smile did Seetha seem
Flowerless plant in midst of spring.
Moved was Hanuman by her sight
Thought he too of Rama's plight.
Won't she know in heart of hearts
That her man would come to her?
Doubt she had none in her mind
Life of hers was tied with Ram.
Heat of her sighs seemed to char
Nascent leaves of high branches.
Having perceived her nature
Poised Hanuman to praise her.
Felt he glad for his Lord too
Got who such a wife like her.
Having prayed to Lord Rama
Hanuman lay in wait for dawn.