POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - CHELIYAN, THE KING -BRAVERY PERSONIFIED

ABOUT THE POEM: In this poetic tale titled CHELIYAN, THE KING -BRAVERY PERSONIFIED the readers encounter Cheliyan, a seasoned warrior, making a grand entrance after a chilling swim at the city gates. Picture him, decked in a wreath of neem shoots, embodying the essence of a battle-hardened hero. The imagery evokes a sense of both strength and grace, akin to an elephant's measured tread. The battlefield awaits, and the anticipation is heightened by the resounding beat of kinai drums, announcing Cheliyan's impending clash with numerous foes. The poet paints a vivid picture of a seasoned warrior, a master of terrible wars, ready to engage in a struggle that promises no shortage of adversaries. As the drums echo, the poem suggests that the foes facing Cheliyan are formidable and numerous, yet leave room for the possibility that some may survive the encounter. The brevity of daytime serves as a metaphor for the limited time within which these intense battles unfold. Overall, the poem encapsulates the drama and intensity of a warrior's arrival on the battlefield, the clash of forces, and the uncertainty of survival. It's a narrative that unfolds in the rhythmic cadence of war drums and the footsteps of a formidable hero, leaving us to contemplate the outcome as the day draws to a close. CHELIYAN, THE KING -BRAVERY PERSONIFIED Upon the city gates, a frigid embrace, Adorned in neem shoots, a warrior's grace. The king, from wars, fierce and dire, Treads like an elephant, sparks of fire. To the battlefield, he strides with might, Kinai drums echo, heralding the fight. Foes abound, a daunting array, Yet some may endure, at the close of the day. As daytime wanes, too short a span, The king's prowess, a formidable plan. Survivors ponder in the evening's breath, A dance with fate, on the edge of death. Note: kinai-Small drum shaped like an hour-glass