POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - PROOF OF PUDDING IS IN THE EATING (29)

ABOUT THE POEM This is a translated version of an exquisite love lyric Proof of the pudding is in the eating from Tamil literature. The colophon says it is  what the foster mother said to the mother after visiting the girl’s home. The poem talks about the anxiety of a mother in finding out the marital bliss of her beloved daughter in the in-law’s place. The foster mother relieves the mother’s anxiety by telling that her daughter is a perfect wife and the broth prepared by her with great care is relished by her husband. Symbolically,   the poet drives home the fact that the girl has learned the tricks of the trade of being a good wife in a new household. PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING Mashing the well-brewed curd With her delicate tender  fingers, she cleansed it on her unblemished sari, Also, smoke from sizzling spice moistening her blue-Lily eyes she did the cooking passionately and patiently until the broth is ready to serve. Greedily when her better half savored it calling it delectable, her face lit up with a cheerful grin. And her happiness knew no bounds