Garuda

upon the back of the king of the birds

ride does the light of the consuming sun

Brought down from the wisdom of an ancient sage

Filled with blood of royalty great



In body golden, upon wings aflame

Strength of the eagle in kindness unfurled

For a mother's sake much sacrifice is worth

Against the gods would he fight off



For his mother did the nagas hide

Within the gates of hellish plight

For freedom was traded an elixir divine

Wrenched from greatness in a single crime



Upon his journey was he approached

To be made by the king of the gods his coach

And thus was Garuda, King of the Birds

Made Lord Vishnu's great charge