TOILAuthor(s): R. MurugaiyanSource: Journal of South Asian Literature, Vol. 22, No. 1, SINHALA AND TAMIL WRITINGFROM SRI LANKA (Winter, Spring 1987), p. 104Published by: Asian Studies Center, Michigan State UniversityStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40873929 .

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M. Fonnambalam

THE NAKED WRETCH

Translated by C. Kanaganayakam

He stripped his cloth and wrapped his head And stood in splendid nakedness lhe passing idlers clapped and jeered And jeering pelted unkind stones. Unconcerned, he passed them all Shots and stones unceasing came The women cast a sidelong glance Then feigned a blush and turned away.

An aged one in wonder said, "This crazy one is full of lust." Did this wonder strike him too? He stopped and gazed with eyes upturned The earth and trees then met his gaze. My kith and kin the world around He seemed to say and then went on.

lhe cops rushed up and stood aghast! His deeds perplexed and struck them mute. They stared and then they bade him dress He turned away and they were mad. They swore at him with obscene words And rained their blows upon his head. This blessed man then closed his eyes And naked fell on naked earth.

R. Murugaiyan

TWO POEMS

TOIL

Translated by the author

The festival chariot shines In its majestic grandeur Reaching out high Into the blue sky.

The bulls below, yoked to the chariot Are thoroughly exhausted, Panting, foaming at their mouths. lhe chariot moves because the bulls pull.

But the decorative wooden horses On the prominent top row Remain in their proud galloping poses. Most of the people have lost sight of lhe exhausted old beasts below.

104

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