POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - WAR'S ECHO-PEACE PROMOTES HUMANITY

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem WAR'S ECHO-PEACE PROMOTES HUMANITY  is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. This poem vividly portrays the relentless acts of war and bloodshed where the speaker describes the destruction of fortified cities, fertile fields and freshwater fountains by the protagonist's formidable forces.  Alongside the narrative of victory, the poem highlights the grandeur of sacrificial rituals, involving fire, rites and oblations performed with precision and adherence to sacred scriptures. The concluding stanza draws a striking comparison between the destructive nature of war and the greatness inherent in the solemn acts of offering, creating a dynamic tension between chaos and serenity. The poem prompts reflection on the dual facets of power – one that conquers through force and another that ascends through sacred reverence. WAR'S ECHO-PEACE PROMOTES HUMANITY  In fortressed realms, your might displayed, Cities razed, enemies dismayed. Donkeys plowed, royal avenues laid bare, Fields of song, now desolate in the air. Fertile lands where sweet birds once trilled, Crushed beneath chariots, ambition stilled. Horse-drawn wrath, a ruinous spree, Trampled fountains by the ruthless decree. Freshwater gems, shattered in disdain, Elephants sent, their might to gain. Anger's flame, a relentless tide, Foes subdued, in your vanguard's stride. Terrible spears, shields with driven nails, Fell before you, as destiny entails. Ill-famed lives, ambitions undone, Deprived foes, beneath a relentless sun. Sacrifices, a fire ablaze, Rites and rituals, in the sacred haze. Oblations of rice, with ghee's sweet hiss, Following scriptures, a divine bliss. In the theatre of conquest, where battles unfold, Destruction's script, a tale of warriors bold. The fiery dance of war's ruinous might, Versus the sacred rites, bathed in light. In the clash of arms and the oblations' flame, A juxtaposition, the world to acclaim. War's tumultuous echoes may fade, But oblations' greatness, an eternal cascade.