ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem LOVE'S POETIC JOURNEY a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature tells the story of a mother seeking a revered monk's advice about her daughter, who has eloped with a young man. The monk who met offers wisdom through poetic metaphors. He explains that, like scented sandalwood, priceless pearls and beautiful music, the daughter has found a worthy love that brings meaning to her life. He advises the mother not to interfere with her daughter's choice, as it aligns with the unchanging laws of life and righteousness. The poem emphasizes that true love and meaningful relationships should be allowed to flourish, just as natural beauty and artistry do.
The poem employs several metaphors to convey profound wisdom and advice to the mother. These metaphors draw parallels between natural elements and the daughter's romantic relationship.
1. Scented Sandalwood:
The metaphor of scented sandalwood born of the hills signifies that, like the fragrance of sandalwood, the daughter's love has a captivating and pleasing quality. However, just as the sandalwood is of no use to the hills themselves, the mother's daughter's love brings fulfillment to her chosen partner rather than lying dormant.
2. Priceless White Pearl:
The metaphor of a priceless white pearl born of the seas illustrates the inherent value and beauty of the daughter's love, much like a precious pearl that comes from the depths of the ocean. However, the pearl's value is realized only when it adorns someone, just as the daughter's love is treasured when it enriches her life.
3. Stirring Notes of Music:
The reference to the stirring notes of music born of the yal(a traditional stringed instrument) highlights the daughter's love as a source of emotional resonance and beauty. However, just as the music played by the yalbrings joy to the listeners, the daughter's love enriches her and her chosen partner and truly shines when it serves and delights others
These metaphors collectively emphasize the idea that the daughter's love is a unique and beautiful thing, much like scented sandalwood, precious pearls, and soul-stirring music. While these elements are valuable in their own right, they truly shine when they serve and delight others. The monk advises the mother to respect her daughter's choice.
LOVE'S POETIC JOURNEY
Before you, revered monk, I stand,
Beneath an umbrella's shade so grand,
Balancing a hermit's Jug with care,
Upon a slender string, it's suspended there,
And, with a staff bearing three-pronged might,
On a pilgrimage profound, with thoughts serene,
You have traversed deserts, arid and mean.
Did you, amidst this lonely, barren track,
Behold a pair, in love's embrace, a love so deeply intact?
Your sight does not deceive, I witnessed their embrace,
In the midst of wilderness, their love's tender grace.
You, the mother of that girl, I now recognize,
Fleeing with her true love, under vast desert skies.
Allow me to convey, in poetic verse I render,
Like scented sandalwood, born of hills so tender,
Yet the hill itself, none of its fragrance tastes,
Only those who use its paste, their senses it encases.
As priceless pearls, from the ocean's depths arise,
But the sea, it holds no treasure in its own guise,
Only when adorned by those who cherish its sheen,
Does the pearl's true value and splendor convene?
In melodies that stir the soul, born of the yal's sweet sound,
Yet the yal itself, with no joy, does it abound,
Only those who play its tune, the music's pleasure know,
Like your daughter, whose love's beauty does surely glow.
Therefore, do not ponder to intercept or hinder,
Your virtuous daughter's path, her love's tender,
She has chosen a worthy husband, a path she chose,
In the unchanging laws of life, her love securely flows.
(The poem tells the story of a mother seeking a revered monk's advice about her daughter who has eloped with a young man)
NOTE: The Yal is a stringed instrument that plays sweet music.
