ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem GIFTS OF ELOQUENCE AND GRACE celebrates the king’s valor, generosity and the prosperity of his reign. The poet extols the king's ability to protect his people, his victories in battle and his noble character. The verses highlight the king's majestic presence, his ability to inspire loyalty and the peace and abundance that flourish under his rule. The poem serves as a tribute to the king's greatness and his enduring legacy.The poet highlights the king's majestic presence, his ability to inspire loyalty and the peace and abundance that flourish under his rule. The verses emphasize his victories in battle, his protective nature toward his people and his noble character. Overall, the poem serves as a tribute to the king's greatness, his unwavering strength and his enduring legacy as a just and powerful ruler.
GIFTS OF ELOQUENCE AND GRACE
With tusks that sway and bells that softly chime,
A stride of pride, a gaze both fierce and free,
Its horns arc high, like crescents steeped in time,
And wrathful eyes that pierce relentlessly.
Broad feet that tread, a neck both thick and strong,
Like mountains sweet where bees in nectar throng.
Its ichor flows, a head of iron might,
A youthful beast, a symbol of pure might.
In pens it rests, a kingly, tranquil form,
Beneath the moon-like canopy, so warm.
No shield it needs, its shadow guards the sleep
Of those who in its calming presence keep.
Thatched roofs of rice of palm leaves dark and wide,
Stand proud as fields where festive joys reside.
The pestle's pound, a rhythm fills the air,
A song of peace, where strife is now laid bare.
No war to wage, the people dance with glee,
Adorned in blooms of thumbai, palm and tree.
Their voices rise, like waves upon the shore,
A sea of mirth, where hearts and spirits soar.
Yet you, O king, in camp without a gate,
Bestow the spoils of war, both small and great.
To court and kin, you share the tribute's store,
And revel in the peace your deeds restore.
The Kolli hills subdued, this calm you've earned,
A gaze of peace, where once the battle burned.
This is the look of triumph, strong and true,
The elephant's gaze, that none can ever subdue.
O mighty lord, your works shall ever thrive,
Long live your deeds, and may your name survive.
My tongue, which sings your praise, shall sing no other,
For you, the giver, stand alone, none other.
Protector of the land, where joy takes flight,
Like heavens above, in boundless, pure delight.
I see what I hear and marvel at your grace,
May you, in others' lands, find lasting place.
Without the fire of wrath, may you extend
Your reign and your tranquil years transcend.
O king , with elephant's gaze so grand,
Live long, great lord and rule this joyous land.
POEM: PURANANURU - 22
POET: KURUNGKOZHIYUR KIZHAR
PATRON: CHERAMAN YANAIKAD SEYYA MAANTHARANJ CHERAL IRUMPORAI
NOTE:
Thumbai -Leucas aspera commonly known as 'Thumbai' is distributed throughout India from the Himalayas down to Ceylon. The plant is used traditionally as an antipyretic and insecticide.
Kolli Hills - a Hill station in Tamil Nadu, India.
