Donkey’s Legacy

In the sacred space, where prayers abound,

An ascetic dwelled, tranquil and profound…

Gathered devotees, offerings in their hands,

Among them a washerman, humbly stands…

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With bundles of clothes, he’d head each day,

To the river’s edge, where the waters lay…

The whole day he toiled, hardships he bore,

To return the clothes duly washed for sure…

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Moved by  seeing the washerman’s plight,  

The ascetic gifted a donkey, shining bright…

Relieving his burdens, easing the strain,  

But fate dealt a blow, bringing sorrow and pain…

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Tragedy befell, as the donkey passed away,

Leaving the washerman in mourning dismay…

With dignity and sorrow, he laid his friend to rest,

In the earth’s embrace, peaceful and blessed…

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A passerby, mistaking the whole scene,  

Deemed it a saint’s tomb, tranquil and serene… 

Offering prayers, leaving a donation behind,  

Belief in miracles, in hearts, deeply entwined…

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Word spread like wildfire, far and wide,

To the tomb, seekers flocked, hopes tied…

Whispers of desires, prayers left untold,

At the tomb’s side, some mysteries unfold…

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Fortunes shifted for the washerman’s plight,

By the tomb’s grace, his future turned bright…

One day, the ascetic passed by with a smile,

As the washerman thanked him, gratitude in style…

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“Your donkey,” he said, “transformed my fate,

In its presence, I found strength to navigate…

From livelihood to the miracles divine,

Your gift, a true blessing, forever mine…”

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The ascetic chuckled, wisdom in his tone,  

“The way of the world, intricately sewn… 

The sanctuary each day you used to rever,

Was the resting place of this donkey’s mother…”

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–Kaushal Kishore 

image: pinterest