Symmetric, soaring columns of ruin
Harking back to the days
When gallant Indian rulers
Reigned over far reaches of land
And won battles with strategic thinking
Against schemers and raiders.
Alas: today it is covered in creepers,
A hidden gem of architects long ago.

As the sun rises, the first rays strike the shrine;
On its ascent, the holy light successively wakes
The royal court, the school, the bazaar
Finally revealing the full glory of
A shining jewel of arts, literature and commerce
But all we are left with today:
Crumbling pillars and decaying ramparts:
The survivors of covetous attacks by northern marauders.

As I stand and take in the sights,
My shoulders droop,
Thinking about the architects
Whose timeless work was destroyed by raiders.
Standing among the masterpieces of geniuses,
I watch the sun turn off the lights.
And as it shines one last flash of brilliance
Into that holy temple where it all began,
My brow slowly unfurls,
A gentle smile caresses my mouth,
And I am transported to a time of glory.