A Gem and a Diamond

Gem and diamonds are not pearls!

Veereswarpuri was a haven for poets because they were treated with great respect in that kingdom. They would take their compositions to the poet laureate, Kaladhar, who would review them and recommend the poets for royal rewards and honors.

One day, poet Ramdas visited Kaladhar and handed him two of his latest creations. The poet laureate read the first poem, titled “A Gem for Grandma.” He read it silently at first, then a second time, this time aloud, pausing at every word and line. He raised his head, as if questioning Ramdas: “You call this poetry?” He shook his head and handed it back to him.

Ramdas then presented his second poem to Kaladhar. This one was titled “A Diamond Tiara for Devayani.” The laureate read aloud the title but did not proceed further. “I don’t have to read it fully,” he remarked. “Now that I have read your first poem, I can very well imagine what you would have written in the second poem.” He offered no further comments.

Ramdas understood Kaladhar’s silence and felt the weight of disappointment. “I shall bring you better ones,” he declared. With that, he took his leave of the poet laureate and went on his way.