Questions I too have; years ago one day

In that cursed moment when your son was born

When you sent him down the river

O lady, in your heart then

If kindliness did overflow

Do tell me this moment.

My Son! My dearest! Alas, never did I

imagine you would talk like this

Have you no mercy? Isn’t there a heart inside you?

Or is it a stone instead? O My Lord!

Don’t speak pointless words

I will never abandon Duryodhana

Should I forget that all my fame

is only because of him?

Am I an ingrate? Should I betray his trust?

You came here to tell me this? I wonder!

My dearest, for your brothers today you are

the backbone, come without any delay

Take care of them for ever, win over the whole world

and grant your mother happiness!

Mother! my whole story I now learn

The doubts gnawing my mind have lifted

That’s due to your kindness, great lady!

My heart is full of gratitude

Among your sons the eldest I am, 

Here I prostrate at your feet

Alas! O God! What am I hearing?

Has lightning struck my head?

Has darkness suddenly engulfed the world?

Is the earth spinning fast around me?

Be kind, tell me the whole truth please.

Let me tell you a truth: your father is the 

Sun God and I am your mother

Your brothers are the five Pandavas

Come, don’t delay, don’t hate them anymore, my son!

Stop treating them like foes, fighting them is a sin.

To utter such harsh words how did you muster the nerve?

Should Karna ditch his best friend Duryodhana?

Should I befriend your sons who are my enemies?

Your womanhood spares you death, you understand?

Ties with Kouravas, you valiant,

in truth don’t befit you

Come and join my sons

If you reflect, that’s the right move, my son

What should I do, please tell me

Don’t harbour the slightest doubt

Whatever riches I possess

I will lay at your feet, please ask