5. English Translation of Kumaran Asan’s Verses

This is an assignment for online publication given during the X’mas vacation to the trainees of the BEd English Optional (2010-11) of Government College of Teacher Education, Trivandrum, South India. The assignment was posted by email to the teacher educator-in- charge. The submitted assignments were then edited by Ms. Saritha who has done a good job. All that I had to do was to make a few changes in the form and add an introduction.

Note:

•The main objective of the exercise was to make trainees explore the possibilities of using the Internet for teaching and learning. So at the commencement of their course, all the trainees were directed to open an email account.

•Reading and writing in Malayalam, their mother tongue, is something most of the trainees are adept at. But when attempting to translate texts in Malayalam into English, they learn about the kind of changes one has to make to incorporate the rhythm found in the original lyrics- something never practiced or even tested in the English class room!

•As the trainees were aware of the fact that their assignment will be published they have taken special care to refine their written work.

The Format

Each assignment has three parts:

I. Transliteration of Kumaran Asan’s verse

II.A summary of the verse

III. English translation of the verse

The name of the trainee follows each assignment



About Kumaran Asan

Kumaran Asan (1873-1924) also known as Mahakavi Kumaran Asan, (the name prefix Mahakavi (Awarded by Madras University in the Year 1922) meaning great poet and the suffix Asan meaning scholar or teacher) was a Malayalam poet, philosopher and social reformer of Kerala. Asan initiated a revolution in Malayalam poetry in the first quarter of the 20th century, transforming it from metaphysical to lyrical.
Some of his major works include :
Veena Poovu (1907)
Chinthavishtayaya Seetha (1919)
Chandala bhikshuki (1922) and Karuna (1923)



Index of assignments



Sl.No./ Name of Trainee/ Title of Verse(Transliteration)/ Translation

1. Ms. Abhaya Krishnan/ Kochukili /A Little Bird
2./Ms. Anila/ Nishaa Praarthana/ Night Prayer
3. Ms. Chitra JL/ Gunanishta / Uprightness
4. /Ms. Chitralekha S/ Kapotha Pushpam/ Dove – flower
5. /Ms. Gayaathri/ Ambili/ The Moon
6. /Ms.Girija/ Pookkaalam/ Season of Flowers
7. /Ms. Hima J Babu/ Kochu Kili/ Little Bird
8. /Ms. Indu/ Parukketta Kutti/ The Wounded Child
9. /Ms. Karuna Purushottaman / Vandinte Paattu/ The Beetle’s Song
10. /Ms. Nija R/ Pookkaalam/ Spring season
11. /Ms. Nisla/ Kuttiyum Thallayum/ Child and Mother
12./Sr. Bincy/ Kuttiyum Thallayum / Child and Mother
13. /Ms. Prasara/ Thottathile Ettukali / Spider in the Orchard
14../Ms. Soumya/ Kapotha Pushpam / The Dove Flower
15./Ms. Sreeja ST/ Sankeerthanam/ Psalm

The Assignment


Transliteration

Kochukili

Chollukendu cherupakshi ni kali-
Chullasippathithupoleyeppozhum
Allall neeyarikayillayo? Nina-
Kkillayo parakeyuthupalliyum?

Kochushakhakalilaanjiripathum
Pichiyannapadi paadidunnathum
Ichapoluyare ni parappathum
Mechaminnivayenikku koodumo?

Kaaluyarthiyayi, kaattilaadumoo-
Njaalil mevi rasamelumethra njan!
Neelavinnvazhi parannezhum sukham
Lolameyyithil ninakkothungumo?

Chitramingu, puzha kunnivatta the-
Llathalenni kili, ni kadappathum
Ethi vanmuthalamelumaanathan-
Masthakathilumirunnidunnathum!

Cheniyanna chirakaarnnoromana-
Praani, ninthadavakanna leelakal
Kaanukilkkothivarum- padhikkuvaan
Ponu- kochukiliyaayathilla njan!

Summary

In this poem, the poet is describing a bird’s freedom. The bird is free and can fly to all places. So, according to the poet the bird has no sorrows. Thus, there is a note of envy towards the bird in his tone.

Translation


A Little Bird

Tell me oh little bird,
Are you always playing?
Don’t you have any sorrows?
Don’t you go to any flying school?

You relax while perching on tree tops,
You sing when you are pinched and
Fly as high as you want,
However, can I do all these?

Sitting on a swing and
Swaying in the wind gives me élan!
You fly all over the azure sky,
How do you contain this ecstasy?

Oh bird, the way you cross hills and rivers
Leaves a picture in the mind and
How you roost on top of
Huge crocodiles and elephants!

Oh dearest celestial-winged creature,
Thy unfettered fun and frolic
Tempts me- I have to study-
Why didn’t I become a little bird instead?
-Ms. Abhaya Krishnan



Transliteration


Nishaa Praarthana

Vilayaadiya kutty thallaye
Thalarumbol thirayunnu daivame
Palavrithikalaal valanju nin
Nila nokkunnithu raavil njaanume.

Udalil kriyanilkkumenneyi
Ngudaneyindriyamullavum vibho
Vediyum- pozhiyunna poo nila-
Thadiyum polanayum bhavaanil njan.

Khrinayodumiruttil nilkkane
Thunayaayanga, vidathe vezhchayaal
Unaraakaname nadethilum
Gunavaanay jagadeesha , nale njan.

Jagathikku samridhi koodanam
Bhagavan, thwalkripayennil vaaykkanam
Akhamokkeyakannudikkanam
Sughamingente virodhikalkkume

Oru deepavu minduvum sphuri –
Pporu Nakshatravumonnumenniye
Irulmelirulaam sushupthiyil
Saranam chinmaya deva deva nee!


Summary

This is a night prayer in which the poet prays to God. He says that he seeks God only at night after getting tired of his day’s work, like a child who comes to its mother once tired of playing.

He will reach God like a flower falling on earth once his zeal for worldly life is subdued. He asks God to stay with him in all his hardships and seeks his grace to wake up with great energy in the morning. He prays for the prosperity of the world and for the wellbeing of all, whether friend or foe. He believes that no celestial light except the grace of God is capable of giving him hope in the darkness.

Translation

Night Prayer

As the child looks for its mother
Tired of playing
God, I look for you in the night
After all my work is done.

As the zeal in me subdues
Leaving the senses and body
God, I will come to you
Like a flower falling on earth.

In the darkness, stay with me
Compassionate, with your blessings
God, let me wake up tomorrow
With all your grace.

O God, make the world prosper
And shower your grace on me.
May sorrow vanish,
With the dawn of happiness for my foes as well.

Lamps, the moon and the stars-
Are nothing, but
God, you are the hope
In this dark sleep.

- Ms. Anila


Transliteration

Gunanishta

Theruthere vilangum navakrithaka rethnam
Theruvukalilengum thiruthakrithiyaayi,
Purumahima thaanum paribhavamiyannum
Maruvi vilayerum manikal marayaaraai.

Naya, mariya sathyam, daya, parahithathil
Priyatha muthalaakum hridayagunamellaam
Bhayamiyalumaaraayathathinude roopam
Swayamabhinayikkum khaladurakalaale.

Oruvijayamorthittoru chathi thudarnnaal
Perukumathumoolam pala vinakal naattil
Karumanagunangalkkanayuvathu dhoorthe,
Karuthuka sahikkaa gunanilayaneesan.

Kalikal mathiyaakkoo kapadamany! Neenaa-
Lolichitharidaa ninmukhamithorunaal nee
Thelivudaya neeril pedumoru marunnaal
Poliyumadhavaa poy nikashasilayerum!

Kshanaparibhavathaal gunamanikalmel nin
Pranayamorulesam kurayaruthu nenje,
Gunanirayodoppam manujanorunaalum
Thunayarulidaa kel suranirakalpolum.


Summary

The moral and ethical values were once considered sacred and well observed. Great ideals like justice, truth, kindness and concern for others are vanishing. Instead, certain heinous tendencies and greed are spreading everywhere. Imagine that somebody succeeds in a malicious deed and goes on doing the same. After a while, it will surely culminate in misery and would bring forth great calamity especially for the society he/she belongs to. Being vulnerable to the deeds of darkness is intolerable to the virtuous God. Therefore, stop hypocrisy. Otherwise every falsehood will be exposed some day! The mask will drop away and the deeds will be evaluated against a touch stone. Don’t give up pearls of virtue even in an ephemeral fit of anger. Never hope for assistance while in a problem unless you are upholding goodness.



Translation

Uprightness

Brightly shining gems of virtue
Briskly vanish here and there
Noble deeds go downwards; instead,
Thwarting sighs will take the lead.

Justice, truth and kindness, concern
Most of the human warmth of feelings
Get lost in a threatening pace while
Heinous deeds, greed spread at a fast pace.

Success in some cheating worthwhile
Prop up several dangers sure
Thus, darkness conquers your heart and head
Thou wanton! Can God bear you still?

No more fowl play hypocrite!
So no more brightness for your face
Get prepared for an exam – a touch stone
This indeed tells your real nature!

Never succumb to anguish that
Ever wipe away the truthfulness
Unless you uphold goodness
No God will extend His help.
=Ms. Chitra JL

Transliteration


Kapotha Pushpam


Itharasourabha veechiye menmayaal
Vidhuramaakkiyilam kulurvaayuvil
Ethirakannivide prasarippori
Madhura gandhamaho! mathimohanam.

Bhramaraneela lathaavalikalkku mel
Vimalamai malar manjariyonnithaa
Kamadamullilezhunna kulathil neer
Kumilathan nirapol vilasunnuthe!

Davalamaam spadikachimizheevidham
Navasugandhamodonnu thurannatho?
Avikalam maniyaarnnathinirmmala
Chaviyodum puthuchippi vidarnnatho?

Athivichithramanohara shilpami
Puthiya poo …karakaushalasaalayil
Ithinodothoru dandamayangalaam
Krithikalilla vidhe,vibhuthanne nee!

Ahaha! nirmmalalola manojnamee
Vihagamengane vannathinullilai:
Gahaname vidhicheshta-piraavithil
Sahajamo,nizhalo,mizhimaayayo?

Oru vikaaravumenniyaho! Ghagam
Maruvidunnithu maunasamaadhiyil.
Paravayil chilathundavathaaramay
Parayumanganeyaagama vedhikal

Bhuvanathathwavumandavumonnume
Vivaramilla, padichu valanjithe!
Ivanathen parisudhakapothike
Bhavathiyorukilanpinodothane!

Summary


This poem is an instance of metamorphosis by magic. The poet, through his magic spell, makes dove out of flower. It is almost like creation. He makes the dove a prophet. The poem ends in an ironical note where the poet requests the dove to tell universal truth; where the poet is the master of creation of the bird itself!

Translation

Dove – flower

What an enticing sweet fragrance!
That spreads here with friendliness
Which makes the odoured waves superior
And love –sick with sweet breeze.

Over the bee-blue bunch of leaves
A cluster of flowers which is chaste
Rests like water bubbles in a line!
In the pond where turtle lives.

Is it a white mirror-case opened?
With fragrance fresh
Or is it a shell beautiful, bloomed new?
Which is soft and perfect.

What a marvelous sculpture-
This new flower – in craftsmanship
No other soft teeth are equal
You are the lord of creation!

Wow! how comes the dove inside;
which is sweet, soft and beautiful
Deep is fate – in dove
Is it natural, shadowy or magic?

Ignorant of universal truth,
No knowledge, fed up with study
Thou my dear sacred dove
Speak! with love, if thou remember.

- Ms. Chitralekha S

Transliteration

Ambili

(Paanamattu)

Thumbappoovilum thumayezhum nila-
Vanpilthoovikkondaakaashaveedhiyil
Ambili ponginilkkunithaa mara-
Kombinmelninnu kololam doorathil.

Vellameghashakalangalaam nura-
Thallichukondu devakal vinnaakum
Vellathil vilayaadithuzhanjupom
Velliyodamithennu thonneedunnu!

Vinmelninnu manthasmitham thoovumen
Venmathikkoombe, ninneyeeyanthiyil
Ammathannangameriyen sodara-
‘nammaava’ yennalinju vilikkunu!

Dehashobhapolullathilkoorumi-
Mohanaakrithikkundithen pinnaale
Snehamodum vilikkum vazhi poru-
Nnaaha! Kochuvellaattin kidaavupol.

Vattam nannallitheevannamodiyaal
Muttume chennakkunninmukalil nee;
Ottunilkkangu,vannonnu ninmeni
Thottidaanum kothiyenikkomane.

Ennu kaipokkiyodinaanunmukhan
Kunneraanoru saahasi baalakan,
Chennu pinnil grihapaadakalamaa-
Yennu jeshtan thadanju njettumvare.

Summary

In the poem, the poet describes how the beauty of the moon enchants the little ones. The moon is shining in the sky, showering its brilliant light even on the tiniest of the flowers on earth without discrimination. The poet compares the moon to a silver vessel in which the angels sail. The splendid sight of the moon persuades the little boy to call it sweet “uncle”. He again equates the moon with an obedient little lamb. The child wonders whether the moon would hit the hills if he travels with everyone without any hesitation. The moon casts such a strong spell on the little boy that he runs towards the hill to touch his beloved moon. But soon he is brought back to reality by his brother reminding him of his homework. The poem brings out the conflit between beauty and duty.


Translation

The Moon

Beautiful moonlight spreads on tiny flowers
Lovingly showered from the boundless sky
Hanging way up, the full moon
Appears a yard away.

Like the frothy milky flakes of clouds
Pushed away by the heavenly angels
Rowing playfully in the endless horizon
In an exquisite silver boat you move!

Smiling gleefully from azure skies
Oh chandama, in this stunning dusk
You are cajoled as ‘uncle’ sweetly
A little boy from his mother’s lap.

Appealing to my mind, your tenderness
Your wonderful shape is following me
Lovingly chases wherever I call
Like the lamb of a little sheep.

Shape hinders your speed
The roundness will stick on the top of the hills
Little by little I feel like coming near you
To touch and caress my dear little one.

Thus running relentlessly with his hands up
Ready to climb and touch the awesome toy
From behind, his brother touches and stops
Announcing to the startled boy, his time for homework.
=Ms. Gayathri



Transliteration

Pookkaalam


Pookkunnithaa mulla, pookkunnilanji,
Pookkunnu thenmaavu, pookkunnashokam,
Vaykkunnu velikku varnangal, poovaal
Chokkunnu kaadanthi meghangal pole.

Ellaadavum pushpagandham parathi
Mellennu thekkunnu veesunnu vaayu;
Ullaasamee neenda kookooravathaa-
lellaarkkumekunnithe kokilangal.

Kaanunnitha raavile poovu thedi
Ksheenathwamoraatha theneecha kaattil
Ponereyulsaahamulkkondivaykke-
nthonam velukkunnushassoyithellaam?

Paadangal ponnin niram poondu, neele-
ppaadipparannethiyeethathayellaam,
Kedatta nellin kathirkkaambu kothi-
kkoodaarnna dikkorthu pokunnu vaanil.

Chandam dharaykkereyay, sheethavum po,-
yanthikku poonkaavilaalereyayi;
Santhoshamerunnu devaalayathil
Ponthunnu vaadyangal- vannoo vasantham!

Naakathil ninnomane, ninne vittee-
Lokathinaanandamekunnitheeshan;
Ee kollamee ninte paadam thozhaam njaan
Pokolla pokolla pookkalame nee!

Chinthichilamkaattu than niswanathaa-
lenthonnuraykkunnu nee?- njaanarinju;
"Enthaathanaam devanothunnathe njaa-
nenthaakilum cheyyu"vennallayallee?

Summary


The poet, in the poem "Pookkalam", tries to depict the sublimity of the
spring season. The nature and all the creatures in it welcome the
season happily. The poet even pleads the season not to go away this
year.

Translation


Season of Flowers

Here is jasmin, here is ilanji
Here is the mango tree and ashoka
All are flowering, colouring fences
Making the woods red as evening clouds
The southwind bringing fragrance gently
Cuckoos give us joy and mirth
The bees are after flowers, not fatigued,
Full of mirth and free of thoughts
The golden fields are rich with corns
And the parrots go back having plenty
The earth is clad in beauty, after the autumn
And from the church we do hear
The sound of trumpet
Ah! Spring has come.
Come from heaven, the son of God
Makes us happy by His grace.
I plead you, beg you, leave us not.
But I hear you "I will do what He says"
=Ms. Girija


Transliteration

Kochu Kili

Chollukenthu cheru pakshi nee kali-
Chullasippathithupoleyeppozhum
Allal neeyarikayillayo? Nina-
Kkillayo parakezhuthupalliyum?

Kochu shaakhakalilaanjirippathum
Pichiyannapadi paadidunnathum
Ichapoluyare nee parappathum
Mechamennivayenikku koodumo?

Kaaluyarthiyayi, kaattilaadu-
Moonjaalil mevi rasamelumethra njaan!
Neela vinvazhi parannezhum sukham
Lolameyyithil ninakkothungumo?

Chithramingu, puzha kunnivatta the-
Llathalenni kili, nee kadappathum
Ethi vanmuthalamelumaanathan-
Masthakathilumirunnidunnathum!

Cheniyanna chirakaarnnoromana-
Praani, nin thadavakanna leelakal
Kaanukilkkothivarum- padikkuvaan
Ponu- kochukiliyaayathilla njan!

Summary

A small child wonders at the commonplace activities of a little bird, which for him, are very exciting. The child expresses his wish to be a little bird, but knows he can never be.

Translation

Little Bird

Tell me you little bird,
Why you seem always happy
Haven’t you known what sadness is? Tell me
Don’t you have to go to school?

Sitting in tender branches of trees,
Singing sweetly
Flying high as you wish,Tell me
Have all these any good for me?

What an excitement you know I feel,
While swinging to the rhythm of wind!
Can you ever hide that pleasure you get
While flying across the blue sky?

Crossing rivers and hills,
Sans hunger
Resting upon the crocodiles
And over the heads of elephants!

You little bird, with beautiful wings,
I wish I were you.
You know I’ve to go to school as
I’m not a little bird like you!
-Ms. Hima J Babu


Transliteration

Parukketta Kutti

Arikathampodu varunnundamma njaan
Karayaaykomane,karal vaadi
Purikavum chundum chulichu nee vingi-
Karayaaykomane, varunnu njaan.

Panineerchempakacherumullettu nin
Kurunnukaiviral murinjithe!
Thaniye thaimaavilkkayariveenomal-
Cherukaalmuttukal chathanjithe!

Marichittippadam mukalil ninnayyo
Murichithe ponnin nerukayum
Muriyilkkattinmel kayarichaanchaadi-
Tharayil veenippoonkavilum nee.

Karuthenda, thallumithinai njaanennu,
Karayenda, novumakannupom
Ariyaappaithal nee kaliyaadiyetta
Murivu bhooshanam ninakkunnee.

Urachivannamakshathamoronnume
Thirichu chumbichaaludanamma,
Sphuricha pushpatheyalipole, kutti
Chirichaan kaar neengum sasipole.


Summary

The theme of this poem is the love of a mother for her naughty child. Even though the child is naughty and pesters his mother, making her angry, when he gets into a crisis the mother forgets every thing and comes to console him. This is a universal fact about motherly love.


Translation

The Wounded Child

I am coming to you with love
Don’t cry or lose your heart
You twitch your eyebrows and lips and sob
Don’t cry my dear I am coming.

Pricked by the thorn of rose
If your tender finger is wounded!
Climbing up a mango tree; my dear, if u have fallen down
And the little knees of yours bruised!

Aha! If you have pulled down the picture from the wall
And hurt your little forehead
If you tottered upon the bed in the room
And fell down and injured the chubby cheek.

Don’t be afraid, I won’t beat you,
Don’t cry, your pain will fly away
You know nothing, so these things have happened
And wounds are ornaments to a child.’

She said these things and
Kissed him with love, then
Like a beetle on a lovely flower
He began to laugh, like the
Moon that has come out from behind the cloud.

-Ms Indu



Transliteration

Vandinte Paattu

Kodumudiyil kazhukan vasikkatte
Koduthaam simham guhayilium vaazhatte,
Vadivelum thankakkunne, ninn poothoree
Nediya kaadaarnna saanuvil mevum njaan.

Pathichidaa nottam naarum pinangalil,
Kuthichu nirdayam konnidaa jeeviye,
Pathivaayikkaattil kaalathumanthikkum
Puthiya poo kandu ninn pukal vaazhthum njaan.

Azhakerum poovil neeyalinjekum the-
nazhalenye nukarnnaanandamaarnnuden
Ozhiyaatholum manamaarnna thennalin
Vazhiye ninpukal paadipparakkum njaan.

Mukalil sooryanum chandranum vanniru-
Lakalumaaru parathum kathirude
Pakalum raavum ponnomanakunne, ninn
Sakalasobhayum kandu rasikkum njaan.
-November 1915.

Summary

In this poem, the tiny beetle admires the mighty peak. Every aspect in nature reminds him of the power of the peak. The tiny creature is also aware of its own helplessness.

Translation

The Beetle’s Song

Let the vulture reside at the peak
Let the mighty lion reign at the den
Oh gorgeous golden peak,
I will subsist at the sylvan peak.

Behold the stinking carcass,
Pounce callously and kill the creature,
Often in the forest at dawn and dusk
I see a fresh flower and praise you.


Gracefully and delightfully,
you drink honey, from the dainty flower.
I will sing your fame
All through the ever-scenting breeze.


Sun and moon shine up above
And brighten you up.
From sunrise to sunset, I discern your glory,
Oh golden peak!

-Ms. Karuna Purushottaman


Transliteration

Pookkaalam

Pookkunnithaa mulla, pookkunnilanji,
Pookkunnu thenmaavu, pookkunnashokam,
Vaykkunnu velikku varnangal, poovaal
Chokkunnu kaadanthimeghangal pole

Ellaadavum pushpagandham parathi
Mellennu thekkunnu veeshunnu vaayu;
Ullaasamee neenda kookooravathaa-
lellaarkkumekunnithe kokilangal.

Kaanunnitha raavile poovu thedi
Ksheenathwamoraatha theneecha kaattil
Ponereyulsaahamulkkondivaykke-
nthonam velukkunnushassoyithellaam?

Paadangal ponnin niram poondu, neele-
Ppaadipparannethiyeethathayellaam,
Kedatta nellin kathirkkaambu kothi-
Koodaarnna dikkorthu pokunnu vaanil.

Chandam dharaykkereyay, seethavum po,-
yanthikku poongaavilaalereyaayi;
Santhoshamerunnu devaalayathil
Ponthunnu vaadyangal-vannoo vasantham!

Naakathil ninnomane, ninne vittee-
Lokathinaanandamekunnitheeshan;
Ee kollamee ninte paadam thozhaam njan
Pokolla pokolla pookkaalame nee!

Chinthichilangattuthan niswanathaa-
Lenthonnuraykkunnu nee?- njaanarinju;
"Enthaathanaam devanothunnathe nja-
nenthaakilum cheyyu" vennallayallee?



Summary


The poet here describes the spring season which brings lots of flowers, birds and insects to earth and makes it the happiest place. Spring season was sent directly from heaven to earth by God and the poet wishes to bow before it. Towards the end, the poet praises God by saying that whatever spring does on earth is in accordance with the directions of the Almighty.


Translation

Spring season

Jasmine is flowering, elenji is blooming,
Mango tree is flowering, so does Asoka tree,
Colouring the fences with flowers
And become red like black clouds

Sweet smell spreads everywhere
Slowly with the blowing south wind
The cooing of cuckoos makes
Everyone happy and gay.

Untiring honeybee goes to woods
In search of flowers early in the morning
With eagerness and is
Welcomed by the dawn.

Fields have turned golden in colour
And parrots fly overhead, singing beautiful songs
Peck the perfect spike of corn
And fly in the sky towards the nest.

Earth's beauty and elegance augmented,
Winter departs, crowded gardens in the dusk;
Happiness scales in the temple
Where melodious music rises-arrives spring!

From heaven, God send thee to earth
To bring ecstasy and rapture to the world
I worship you this year
Don't leave me alone spring!

What you utter through the voice of wind
After meditating?- I know
"I do only what
God, My Father tells" isn’t it this?

-Ms. Nija R


Transliteration

Kuttiyum Thallayum


Eevalliyil ninnu chemme – pookkal
povunnithaa parannamme!

Thetti ninakunni chollaam – nalpoo
mpaattakalalleyithellam.

Melkkumelingiva pongi- vinnil
nokkamme yenthoru bhangi!

Ayyo! Poykoodi kalippaan- amme
vayyeyenikku parappaan!

Aakaathathinganeyenni- chumma
mazhkollayennomalunni!

Picha nadannu kalippoo- neeyee
ppichakamundo nadappoo?

Ammattilaayathenthennaal- njaano
rummatharaamamma chonnaal.

Naamingariyuvathalpam- ellaa-
momane , devasangalppam.


Summary

‘Kuttiyum Tallayum’ is a poem written by renowned poet Kumaranasan. Two lined stanza is the formal pattern of the poem. The poet has versified in a conversational style. The conversation is between a mother and her child. The boy is very curious about the things happening around him. It is a simple poem which shows us the innocence and confusion of a child, and the mother’s answers to her son’s questions. The boy is making a comparison between his own activities and those of a butterfly. By comparing these things, he is unhappy about things which he can’t do. But his mother tells him about the positive traits of human beings in comparison to other living beings. She also reminds him that God is the creator of the world and that the creator knows everything. We are only the creations of God. So we have only a limited knowledge of what is happening around us.


Translation

Child and Mother

Mother! all the flowers
On this plant are flying away

No! my dear son-
These are all butterflies.

Mother! They are looking beautiful-
When rising one on top of the other in the sky.

Oh mother! I want to play with them
But I cannot fly!

Please don’t cry my dear child
Thinking of those things you cannot

You can walk and play here and there
Can the flowers walk like you?

Mother, why does it happen to be so?
I shall give you a kiss if you tell me.

We know only a little bit of things,
It is all created by God, my dear son.
=Ms. Nisla
Transliteration
Kuttiyum Thallayum

Ee valliyil ninnu chemme - poockal
Povunnitha parannamme !

Thetti ! ninnakunnee chollaam - nalpoo -
mbaattakalalleyithellaam.

Melkkumelingiva pongi - vinnil
Nokkamme, yenthoru bhangi !

Ayyo ! poykkoodikkalippaan - amme !
Vayyeyenikku parappaan !

Aakaathathinganeyennie - chumma
Mazhkollayennomalunnee !

Pichanadannu kalippoo - niyee -
Pichakamundo nadappoo?

Ammattilaayathenthennaal -njaano -
rummatharaamamma chonnaal.

Namingariyuvathalpam -yellaa -
momane, devasangalpam.

Summary

Modern man thinks that he is capable of everything. He does not consider his own nature and that of other living organisms. He misuses them for his own selfish needs. In this poem the child tells his mother that the flowers are flying away from the tendrils. But his mother corrects him. She tells him that they are not flying flowers but butterflies. The child is still worried that he is unable to fly with them. But the mother consoles her son by reminding him that he can walk but plants cannot walk. She adds that she doesn’t know the reason but everything is under GOD's control. This poem is in the form of a conversation between a Child and his Mother. People often think that they can conquer everything in the world. But some occasions prove that man is nothing before his creator. The thoughts of the child make us think of the point that EVERYTHING HAS ITS OWN IMPORTANCE and NO ONE IS PERFECT.

Child and Mother

Oh! Mother look! the flowers
Flying from the tendril
You’re Mistaken, my baby these are not flowers
but butterflies.
Look Mom, how beautiful they are!
When they fly higher and higher in the sky
Alas! Mother I have no wings to play with them
Don't think of the impossible and
worry in vain my son.
You can walk by yourself but the pichaka plant
never walks
The reason behind it is unknown
I have nothing but a kiss for you.
What we know is only a little
The whole world goes as per the Divine law.


-Sr. Bincy

Transliteration

Thottathile Ettukali
Thalirthalanju ninnidum tharukkal
Thante shakhayil
Koluthi neenda noolu reshmi pole
Naalu bhaagavum,
Kulathinullu kaanumarkkabimba-
Mothu kattilee-
Velutha kanni vachezhum vichithra-
Roopanaarivan!

Aduthidunnoreecha paattayaadi-
yaya jeeviye-
Ppidippathinnu kannivacholichi-
runnu kolluvaan
Padicha kallanaaru nee pragalbha-
naaya mukkuva-
Kkidaathano? Kadutha kaattilulla
Kochu vedano?

Minuthu nertha noolithengu ninnu?
Modi koodumee-
yanarkhamaam neyithu thanneyabhya-
sichathengu nee?
Ninaykka ninte thunnal kazhchavela
Thannilethiyaal
Ninakku thankamudra kittumettu-
kaali nishchayam!

Summary

The poem is about the spider's craft of weaving. The poet has a strong fascination for it; he praises the spider’s art and concludes the poem asserting that the spider is sure to get a gold medal if he contests.

Translation

Spider in the Orchard
Who is he? Building
Silver bars in sprouted boughs,
Touching them as thinner rays
Like the sun reflecting himself in the pond.

Who are you? Eminent trapper,
Making traps for flies and cockroaches
Who are you? A veteran fisherman?
Or a hunter in a dense forest?

From where you got this silky slimly string?
The art of weaving, you got from whom?
You will get gold if you show off,
You will get it if you go for.
-Ms Prasara


Transliteration

Kapotha Pushpam


Itharasourabha veechiye menmayaal
Vidhuramaakkiyilam kulurvaayuvil
Ethirakannivide prasarippori
Madhura gandhamaho! mathimohanam.

Bhramaraneela lathaavalikalkku mel
Vimalamai malar manjariyonnithaa
Kamadamullilezhunna kulathil neer
Kumilathan nirapol vilasunnuthe!

Davalamaam spadikachimizheevidham
Navasugandhamodonnu thurannatho?
Avikalam maniyaarnnathinirmmala
Chaviyodum puthuchippi vidarnnatho?

Athivichithramanohara shilpami
Puthiya poo …karakaushalasaalayil
Ithinodothoru dandamayangalaam
Krithikalilla vidhe,vibhuthanne nee!

Ahaha! nirmmalalola manojnamee
Vihagamengane vannathinullilai:
Gahaname vidhicheshta-piraavithil
Sahajamo,nizhalo,mizhimaayayo?

Oru vikaaravumenniyaho! Ghagam
Maruvidunnithu maunasamaadhiyil.
Paravayil chilathundavathaaramay
Parayumanganeyaagama vedhikal

Bhuvanathathwavumandavumonnume
Vivaramilla, padichu valanjithe!
Ivanathen parisudhakapothike
Bhavathiyorukilanpinodothane!

Summary


This poem is about the beauty of a flower that is spreading fragrance to all; one that is very beautiful and pleasant. The poet compares it to beautiful things and asserts that it is more beautiful than ivory. The poet sees a cloud in the flower .That is a wonderful sight according to the poet but at last poet sees the feeling of a bird that is expressing his emotions about his beauty. But the poet says that knowledge is greater than anything else. Through this poem, the poet argues that knowledge is more sublime than beauty.



Translation

The Dove Flower


The fragrance of wave is
Making love-lone, the breeze
What a beautiful smell it is!
There is a beautiful flower in the pond
That is a pleasant and shining like water bubbles.
What a beautiful smell it is!
That is very pleasant
Where did they get
this kind of beauty and charm.
What a wonderful sculpture is it!
That is new in the pond
There is no ivory like this
That kind of beauty you have, you are a lord.
Oh! God you are great
You have made this beauty.
That is not a shadow of cloud
There I am seeing a cloud.
There is a bird which
Expresses his emotions
They have all things
But he has no knowledge
About the world
Hei! you don’t have any
Jealousy to the flower
because flower has beauty
not knowledge.

-Ms. Soumya


Transliteration


Sankeerthanam

Chandameriya poovilum shabalaabhamaam shalabhathilum
Santhatham karathaariyannoru chithrachaathuri kaattiyum
Hantha! chaarukadakshamaalakalarkkarashmiyil neettiyum
Chinthayaam manimandirathil vilangumeeshane vaazhthuvin!

Saaramai sakalathilum mathasamgraham grahiyathathai
Kaaranaantharamai jagathiluyarnnu ninnidumonnine
Saurabholkadanaabhikondu mrigamkanakkanumeyamai
Dooramaakilumaathmahaardagunaaspadathe ninaykkuvin!

Nithya naayaka, neethichakramathin thirichilinakshamaam
Sathyamulkkamalathilum sthiramai vilanguka naavilum
Krithyabhoo vediyaatheyum madiyaatheyum karakodiyil
Prathyaham pradhayaarnna paavanakarma shakthi kalikkuka!

Saahasangal thudarnnudan sukhabhaandamaashu kavarnnupom
Dehamaanasadoshasanthathi Deva, Deva nashikkane!
Snehamaam kulirpoonilaavu parannu sarvavumekamai
Mohamaamirul neengi ninte mahathwamullil vilangane!

Dharmamaam vazhithannil vannanayunna vairikalanjave
Nirmaladyuthiyaarnna nischaya khadgamenthi nadannudan
Karmaseema kadannupoikkaliyaaduvaanarulename
Sarmavaaridhiyilkkripaakara, shaanthiyaam maninaukayil.


Summary

In this prayer song, "Sankeerthanam", the poet Kumaranasan tries to point out that the real seat of God, for whom we search everywhere, is our own soul. The poet compares this action of man to that of the Kasthura Deer. The poet is over whelmed with emotion as he explains how superior a simple life is, when compared to a life full of adventures and strong worldly desires.


Translation

Psalm

In beautiful flowers and colourful butterflies,
We see His wonderful creations.
His blessings we feel in the rays of sun,
Praise Him who lives in the realm of thoughts.
The sole answer for all religions,
Oh! You God, rising above the world,
We pursue You, not recognising,
But You are within us, We don't know.
You, the immortal, rotate the wheel of virtue,
Let the truth be in our mind and tongue,
May our hands be filled with noble deeds,
Fill us with blessings to complete our deeds,
Save me from my strong desires,
Fill my heart with sublime thoughts,
Let my heart be filled with love,
Let me realise thou as thee,
Lead me to the right path of duty,
Bless me to strike off the enemies in my path,
Bless me to live in the path of karma,
Bless me, the one who lives in the vessel of peace.


-Ms. Sreeja ST