Lai Koli Patil

Generally the brave, learned, poets

Saints had been rewarded, but

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s

Generosity went to the extent of

Honouring great failure in the unfought

Battle of an invincible strong fortification

Fort Janjira surrounded by the sea

According to a conspiracy hatched in

The army, Lai Patil with his fierce

Warriors ascended fort Janjira in

The dark with rope ladders like lizards

Hopefully waited till early dawn

But as decided, attacking squad

Didn’t reach in time, had to retreat

Without getting hurt or

Losing a single tired more solid

Lai Koli Patil was summoned

To Raigad, where he thought

Of heavy punishment for the failure

Instead, he was praised for

Proper preparation for the dangerous

Task and successful execution, timely

Retreat saving the lives was bestowed

Rare honour of palanquin ride

However, the generous offer was

Politely denied by humble Patil,

Maharaj Appointed him the Naval

Commander of worship named “Palaki”

Specially built in his honour

To protect the west coast from foreigners