Amour

Here is a novice's attempt. Mine. An extension to the post below.

Like red earth and pouring rain
our hearts had mingled.
With dark skies of starless nights
as blankets, too thin.
But then, she rose
Like a bride in gold
For whom you left me. Askew; in woe.

குறுந்தொகை

தமிழ் is my mother tongue. My mother, grandmother and my aunts were more than mere patrons of this beautiful language. Some of them wrote poetry and prose; others were serious dramatists. Even today, I can listen to my aunt recite பாரதியார் பாடல்கள் for endless hours with a kind of passion that is infectious... and I am so glad that another aunt took to writing after retirement.

Back in school, I wish I had done better than just memorize these verses for marks and medals.

After an inspiring conversation with 2 friends on Facebook over 2 weeks ago, I finally borrowed this book by A.K.Ramanujan "Poems of Love and War" from the library yesterday. I have not kept it down since. (People who know me well know exactly how rare such occurrences are! )

Reading the originals on 'Project மதுரை' and the translations by Sir Ramanujan - I feel terrible about how little attention I paid to my தமிழ் ஆசிரியர் in school. While I feel very sad about being able to appreciate my mother tongue better with an English translation, I am sure this is better than not appreciating it at all. I'd recommend you give it a shot.

Find below a sampler:

What could my mother be
to yours? What kin is my father
to yours anyway? And how
did you and I meet ever?
But in love
Our hearts have mingled
Like red earth and pouring rain.


Please grab the book if you enjoy poetry - am sure you won't regret it! :)

A Quiet Little Melody

I saw you as I walked outside;

Hanging around, by the curbside

Little things like these make me smile.

You held my hand and let me in;

Drove me home and waited still -

I looked at you to see if you’d smile.

I never wanted to be alone

Just wanted to be with you at home

So please, won’t you come along – tonight?

So when am scared to sleep at night,

You can tell me it’s alright;

So please, can you come along – tonight?

I‘ll hold you close and let you see,

All the lies that I have been;

Promise you that we will always be….

Together now and growing old,

Forever and for always more;

I will hold your hands and sing to you…

This quiet little melody