Past Repose

Sikandar ka Roza, a memorial to the king Sikander; one of many sultans to rule under the name of the legendary Alexander the Great.

Porticoes open on pillar-legs,

Erect stone elephants, ever alert,

Their heads held high in the howling winds,

Guarding forever the great king’s repose.


Steady sentinels, straddling the path;

All salute the ever-open doors.


Present greatness keeps past greatness living,

Though the past is but a shadow and a name.