ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem ANTELOPES' MIDDAY SERENADE is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature. The poem eloquently portrays the enchanting arrival of the monsoon season which ushers in heavy rains that transform the forest into a stunning spectacle. The rainclouds burst forth showering the landscape with their tears and as a result, the once-dry forest is now lush and beautiful. The delicate poovai flowers bloom, their vibrant colors reminiscent of sapphire gems while red-coated muthai insects flutter among them adding to the scene's natural splendor.
The imagery throughout the poem conjures a vivid picture of this natural landscape which could be likened to a painting created by a master artist. However, the poet then shifts the focus to the practical concerns of the moment. The driver is implored not to rush the horses but rather to guide them gently. It is midday and this is the time when antelopes come together in the mating ritual. The intricate description of the antelopes and their love dance with their horn likened to the bare stem of a plantain flower adds a touch of sensuality to the poem.
The man urges the driver to slow down the horses and be gentle, as it's midday, the mating time for antelopes and disturbing them would be unkind. The poem captures the beauty and delicacy of nature in the monsoon season while emphasizing the need for a gentle touch. It beautifully blends the picturesque and the practical while drawing attention to the profound rhythms of nature's cycles.
ANTELOPES' MIDDAY SERENADE
The monsoon's gently arrives,
Rainclouds weep with grace,
In tears, they paint the forest wide,
A verdant, wondrous place.
The pretty poovailike sapphire gems,
Bloom bright in the rain's embrace,
As red-coated muthai insects,
the nature's vibrant pursuits.
Jasmine petals, pure and fair,
Scattered, life's tender thread,
The pastoral scene, beyond compare,
An artist's dream widespread.
Yet, driver, heed this plea sincere,
Let not our horses race,
With care and gentleness steer,
Midday's delicate embrace.
For antelopes in love's sweet dance,
Their horns like plantain bare,
Desire's elegant, fated chance,
Midday's secret affair.
With well-shaped legs, his mate so dear,
Let them in peace advance,
We must not, with a chariot's lance,
Disturb love's tender trance.
(the words spoken by the husband to the chariot driver)
NOTE:
muthai – pattuppoochi (Silk-worm)Scientific term: trombidium grandissimum
poovai– pretty kaya flowers; Scientific term: Memecylon edule
