I opened my eyes by Ganga’s side, A son of gods, where fate would ride. A Vasu once, now cast below, In mortal form, I came to grow. –(1) My mother whispered ancient hymns, And taught me laws through dusk and rims. A prince by blood, a sage by way, She left me in the light of day. –(2) My father’s eyes, once bright with pride, Dimmed by longing none could hide. He loved again — fair Satyavati, But bound by love, he turned from me. –(3) I saw his pain, I saw his plight, And swore away my birthright. A crown I dropped for love alone, My vow eternal, my heart a stone. –(4) No child I’d sire, no throne I'd seek, No joy of touch, no love to speak. The gods above rained flowers fair, For vows no man would ever dare. –(5) “Bhishma” they called me — terrible and true, A warrior's path I would pursue. And so I stood, the kingdom’s shield, With oath as sword, and heart concealed. –(6) I fought for peace, for right, for name, But kings and queens still pla...