ABOUT THE POEM:
In this poem titled LORD OF LAND, SEA AND SWORD the poet struggles to find words worthy of describing a mighty chieftain. He wonders—should he call him a lord of the land, a ruler of the town or the king of the roaring, frost-lined seas? The warrior’s very appearance, with sword in hand, commands awe beyond all titles. Wherever this king passes—through fertile fields or along the coastal lands—birds rise in fright, just as war-birds take wing on the battlefield where they feast on fallen foes. His presence inspires fear and respect both in nature and among men.
LORD OF LAND, SEA AND SWORD
Shall I name him the sovereign of village and plain,
Or lord of the shore where the tempests reign?
Shall I hail him Serpan, whose ocean’s cry
Resounds like thunder beneath the sky?
Where millet fields with golden grain are spread,
And birds, like arrows, in terror have fled,
So from the marsh and the salt-washed strand,
War-birds arise at his dread command.
PURANANURU - 49
POET: POIGAIYAR
PATRON KING: CHERAMAN KOKKOTHAI MARPAN.
NOTE:
Serpan : In Tamil literature Serpan refers to the chieftain or ruler of the coastal or Neythal region. It's also associated with the god Varunan ( வருணன் - Varunan), who is the deity associated with the sea and water.
