That boy was first
in the family, among peers.
Cheerful, sporty but otherwise bland
but we took notice as he arrived
in style although just nine.
Dad was king, mom was queen
that boy the crown prince
did his best to fit in
with sons of lords as friends
and sons of commoners
as recipients of favor.
Groomed to be king
with outward charm
with inward desolation
a project doomed
from the start.
That boy now a man, but yet a boy
who cannot survive
with no prospects of becoming king
Kashyapa and Dhatusena come to mind
As we hear his muted rage.
Varuni Fernando 