ABOUT THE POEM:
This is a translated version of a bewitching poem from Tamil literature LOVE AND MELANCHOLY-A DUALITY. It is about what the servants told the husband, their master on the successful completion of his mission and his flag flying high after a great combat with enemies. The servants in the first part of the poem talk about the retreat from war and how the elephants are still in their frenzied moods trumpeting heavily which resonates across the war zone. The horses gallop with their manes fluttering wildly and the riders struggle to control the horses. The servants describe when the Chief with triumph in his heart embraces his beloved spouse, with eyes shining bright whose lashes, dark and lush, gleam like blue lily flowers the infatuated paleness on her forehead will still remain. In Tamil literature, a separated woman longing to reunite with her husband returning from war is a common theme. This theme highlights the strong bond between a husband and wife and the extent to which a person will go to be reunited with their loved one.
LOVE AND MELANCHOLY-A DUALITY
The king doth reign supreme,
His flag of victory gleams!
The drums of war with triumph beat,
From battle camp where elephants retreat
their frenzied moods resound afar,
resonate across the combat zone.
And cowherds play their flutes with elan
The cattle herded with their clan,
sent to pastures to roam and feed.
Homebound servants hurry with delight,
While chariot horses, mad with might,
Gallop with manes that wildly flutter,
and the rider of the chariots
struggle to control the stallions
Oh! how the chief shines fair and bright,
With sandal paste that is fragrant
spread on laurel bosom,
embellished with fight scars,
Eulogised by bards
What's more, when he chooses
to get back
with jubilant happiness
to meet his exuberant spouse
Whose eyes with blackened lashes do douse,
Sparkle like the blue lily buds,
Where will the lovesick pallor go, my Lord?
(what the servants told the husband, their master )
