ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem TWILIGHT'S SERENADE: A RURAL REVERIE, a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature paints a serene picture of a rural evening setting, where a group of cowherds are making their way home after a day's work. These individuals are playing kondrai flutes, suggesting a sense of leisure and contentment as they guide their cattle along the path. The cattle, in turn, follow them in a quiet and orderly manner but there's a hint of longing in their steps, as they think about their young calves left behind.
As the evening deepens, the atmosphere takes on a tranquil and almost magical quality. The clouds in the sky gather and resonate with the rumble of distant thunder. This natural phenomenon adds to the sense of awe and wonder as if the elements of the world are coming alive. Then the climax of the scene unfolds, as a rainbow appears before the observer's eyes. This rainbow, with its vibrant colors, symbolizes a moment of profound beauty and harmony within nature.
The poem conveys a profound connection between the human, animal and natural realms. It speaks to the peaceful coexistence of all these elements in the tranquil embrace of evening, where even the most timid among us can find solace and beauty in the world around us.
IN SHORT:
The poem describes a scene in which cowherds playing kondrai flutes lead their cattle home at twilight. The cows, in their quiet procession yearn for their calves left behind. As evening falls, the sky is adorned with a brilliant rainbow, symbolizing the peaceful and harmonious nature of the moment. The poem captures the tranquility and beauty of this rural landscape and the connection between humans, animals and the natural world.
TWILIGHT'S SERENADE: A RURAL REVERIE
In twilight's gentle, golden gleam,
The cowherds, their flutes in hand,
Embark upon their homeward dream,
Guiding cattle through the land.
Their herds of beasts, a patient train,
With yearning hearts for calves afar,
In tranquil steps, they tread the plain,
Beneath the slowly setting star.
Now evening's grace begins to reign,
As clouds in distant thunder's guise,
Paint the canvas of the sky's domain,
With vibrant arcs of rainbow skies.
In tranquil twilight's soothing grace,
The cowherds' journey homeward meanders,
Their cattle follow at a steady pace,
As nature's beauty softly transcends.
(what the girl confided in her friend sharing her feelings of solitude and isolation)
NOTE: Kondrai: Cassia fistula, commonly known as golden shower, purging cassia, Indian laburnum or pudding-pipe tree, is a flowering plant in the subfamily, Caesalpiniaceae of the legume family, Fabaceae. It is both the national tree and national flower of Thailand. It is the state flower of Kerala in India.
