A Fine ‘Harp’
(Translation of poem ‘Nalladhor Veenai’ in Tamil written by Mahakavi Subramanya Barathi
– in English by Srirangam Ramesh )
Could there be anyone who would make a fine ‘harp’
And dump it in the bin for the dust to cover it dark?
Oh, Shivashakthi! Tell me Oh! Lady,
You made me with the wisdom,
To glitter in all my deeds.
Would you not give me the power
to serve this land of needs?
Would you wish me just to be
a burden in the streets?
Like a ball tossed afar, I wished my body followed my heart,
I wished there be no venom, in my sacrosanct thought.
I asked you for a life like the ever-shining light,
A life that sparkles day and night with all that is right.
Even in distress as the fire burns the flesh,
To sing aloud in praise of you, Shivashakthi! You should bless.
I asked you for the faith, a firm mind to meditate,
To give me all of this, what holds you to be late?
-Srirangam Ramesh