ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled SYMPHONY OF JOY AND PAIN is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature in which the girl is suggesting that she and her romantic partner have been meeting in utter secrecy but their meetings have been discovered by her mother. The girl is indicating that her mother has found out the secret due to the strange fragrance on her hair and the lovesick paleness on her face. However, it's possible that the mother's discovery of their secret meetings and her assessment of the state of their relationship has caused the girl to reconsider the future of their romance. Perhaps she no longer wants to continue the stealthy relationship. Overall, the elegant poem suggests that the girl and her partner were engaged in a relationship that was being kept hidden from others and that the mother's chance discovery of their relationship has caused some significant changes in the dynamics of that relationship.

SYMPHONY OF JOY AND PAIN

On mountain fields, I roamed with glee,

chasing parrots, wild and free.

You made a swing, beneath the tree,

And wove a fresh garment, for me.

A garment of leaves, fresh and green,

You wove for me, a sight unseen.

Days we met, so full of joy,

Our happiness, no one could destroy.

Is there anything sweeter, my dear,

Than our love, forever sincere?

But now my mother grew suspicious,

she got a clue of our love, so ambitious?

She sighs to herself, now and then,

Making excuses, to keep me in.

Our meetings, now they must end,

Our love, too precious, to ever bend.

The fragrance on my hair so queer,

The lovesick Palor on my face galore.

She sighs to herself now and then,

finds excuses to keep me in confine

Our clandestine meetings must end,

Our love we can no longer defend.

But memories of our time together,

will live on in my heart forever.
(what the girl said to her lover earnestly as she no longer wants to continue the stealthy relationship and her resolve to enter matrimony)

HOBBIES - ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART FOUR

Jogger: a person who runs at a slow and steady pace as a form of exercise, often wearing specialized athletic clothing and shoes.

Jogging: the act of running at a slow and steady pace as a form of exercise, typically for cardiovascular health and fitness.

Leisure: free time that is available for recreational activities or relaxation, typically after work or other obligations have been fulfilled.

Magnetic compass: a navigational tool that uses the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction, typically consisting of a magnetized needle that aligns with the magnetic field and points towards magnetic north.

Mountain bike: a type of bicycle designed for off-road terrain, typically featuring wide tyres with deep treads, a sturdy frame, and suspension systems to absorb shocks.

Mountain biking: the activity of riding a mountain bike on off-road terrain for recreation or sport.

Music: an art form that uses sound and rhythm to express emotions or ideas, typically created by combining various musical notes and instruments.

National park: a protected area of land that is managed by the government for the preservation of natural resources and wildlife, as well as for public recreation and education.

Nature reserve: a protected area of land that is managed for the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity, typically with restricted human access and development.

Orienteering: a sport or recreational activity in which participants use a map and compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, typically involving a timed race or competitive event.

Paddle: a tool used for propelling a small boat or canoe through water, typically consisting of a long, narrow oar or blade.

Pastime: a leisure activity or hobby that one enjoys doing in one's free time.

Poetry: a form of literature that uses language to evoke emotions or ideas through rhythm, imagery, and metaphor.

Pony-trekking: the activity of riding ponies or small horses on outdoor trails or terrain for recreational purposes.

Ramble: a leisurely walk or stroll, often taken for relaxation or enjoyment of natural surroundings.

Rambling: the act of walking for leisure or pleasure, often with no particular destination or purpose in mind, also known as hiking.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled ENRAPTURED BY BEAUTY is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature in which a lover expresses his love for the girl stating that he was smitten by her beauty, grace and presence from the very first look. The lover said that he does not need to see her again for inspiration because that initial encounter was enough to inspire a lifetime of love and devotion. The lover further expresses his admiration for the person's smile, eyes and voice. He further elaborates how everything about her fills him with wonder and joy. The lover feels fortunate to have met the person and cherishes every moment they spend together. In conclusion, the lover expresses his love for the girl to her friend and promises that he will cherish it for the rest of his life in this exquisite poem.

ENRAPTURED BY BEAUTY

In the cascading falls so pure and bright

She bathes and swims with delight,

A watchful eye on the Aivanam  field,

Where many-hued blooms their beauty yield.

Her gaze so sharp, like a spear it flutters,

No need to pierce my heart already in tatters,

For at first sight, my soul was enraptured

By her ravishing beauty that encumbers

Her form so graceful, like a swan in flight,

My heart beats fast at the wondrous sight,

No need for words or whispered plea,

For in her presence, my soul is free.

Oh, maiden fair, with eyes so bright,

My love for you, an eternal light,

Burning bright, through time and tide,

Forever yours, my love and my pride.

(what the lover vociferously expressed  to the girl’s friend about his eternal love for the girl)

NOTE:

Aivanam - ஐவணம் (Tamil)

The name of a bush bearing fragrant flowers.

HOBBIES - ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART THREE

fishing: the activity of catching fish, typically for sport or as a source of food.

fishing rod: a long, flexible rod used for catching fish.

footpath: a path for pedestrians, typically not wide enough for vehicles.

gardening: the practice of cultivating and tending to a garden, especially as a hobby.

hack: a rough cut, blow, or stroke; or to cut or chop roughly or clumsily.

hide: to conceal oneself, or to put something out of sight.

hike: a long walk, especially in the countryside or wilderness.

hiking: the activity of going on long walks, especially in the countryside or wilderness.

hillwalking: the activity of walking in hilly or mountainous areas.

hobby: an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.

horseback riding: the activity of riding on horseback.

horse riding: same as horseback riding.

interest: a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.

jog: to run at a steady, gentle pace as a form of exercise.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled HAZARDOUS JOURNEY a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature describes an anxious wife's troubled state of mind on thinking of the potential danger that her husband may encounter along the way back home. The girl’s friend tells the lover that the route he has to take is quite dangerous because of the lurking presence of a wounded elephant. In any case, it's essential to prioritize safety and not take unnecessary risks. The concern for her loved one's safety is understandable. The poet expresses the concern of a beloved wife about the safety of her husband through the girl’s companion in this great poem.

HAZARDOUS JOURNEY 

Young lad,

your darling lover

spent the night in restless slumber

pondering over the danger

that may befall her beloved

as you tread on your path,

wherein a wounded elephant

treads with muted strides,

keeping its ears tightly folded

fearing a potential onslaught

from the vicious tiger

that had mauled it once before.

(what the girl’s friend told  the lover)

HOBBIES ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART TWO

Community theater: A form of theater that is produced and performed by members of a community usually on a voluntary basis and with the goal of entertaining or educating the local community.

Compass: A tool used for drawing circles, measuring angles or determining direction. It typically consists of two hinged legs with a pointed end on one leg and a pencil or marker on the other.

Cosplay: A performance art in which participants, called cosplayers, wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a book, comic, movie, video game or other forms of media.

Cosplayer: A person who participates in cosplay by dressing up in costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a book, comic, movie, video game or other forms of media.

Dance: A series of movements and steps that is performed rhythmically and typically to music often in a choreographed sequence.

Dancer: A person who performs or practices dance, often as a profession or as a hobby.

Dancing: The act of performing or practicing dance, typically in a rhythmic and expressive manner.

Dive: A place, such as a bar or a nightclub, that is frequented by a particular group of people, especially those who are considered disreputable or unconventional.

Drama: A literary genre that is characterized by conflict, tension and emotional intensity, often involving the depiction of human relationships, struggles and experiences.

Explore: To travel to new or unfamiliar places in order to learn about them or to investigate or examine something in order to gain a deeper understanding or knowledge of it.

Fieldcraft: The knowledge and skills required to survive and operate in an outdoor or wilderness environment often including activities such as camping, hunting, fishing and navigation.

Fish: A cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate that typically has scales, fins, and gills and is often caught for food or sport.

Fisherman: A person who catches fish typically as a profession or as a hobby.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem titled  UNRELENTING BRUTAL MOMENTS a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature describes the transition from day to night, highlighting the beauty of nature as the sun sets and the moon rises. It also touches on the melancholy and loneliness that can come with the twilight hour, particularly for those yearning for love. The imagery is vivid and captures the mood of the scene, using personification to describe the sun, moon, trees and other elements of nature. The poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time as animals return to their homes and the evening rituals begin. The twilight hour arrives, which some consider being innocent and gentle. However, it can also be an unrelenting brutal moment, particularly for those who are lovesick and longing for their beloved. In this poem, the poet highlights through the friend of the girl that the darkness of the night only adds to their torment leaving them alone with their unfulfilled desires and sorrows.

UNRELENTING BRUTAL MOMENTS

Behold, the sun sinks into the silent western hills,

gulping down the day with his golden, receding rays,

as he lit up the world with his heavenly, morning thrills.

Now darkness hangs in wait like a black, deadly god who slays.

And lo, the lovely moon begins her climb up high,

as lotus petals close their eyes in slumber and rest,

while trees with bending boughs appear as noble, modest guys,

who bow their heads in gratitude when they are blessed.

The pearly buds unfold amidst the dark green leaves,

looking like grinning bushes, gleaming with glee,

while the humming notes of honeybees weave

a melody that flows with the cowherds' flute in harmony.

The birds fly back to their nests, with the cows in tow,

yearning for their calves, as all creatures return to their lairs,

and the priests welcome the evening with hymns that glow,

as graceful maidens light the lamps in their home's affairs.

Thus comes the twilight hour, which some call naive and mild,

yet it is the cruellest hour, that torments lovesick heart and mind,

as they yearn for the one they love, with longing and unfulfilled desire piled,

and the darkness of the night, leaves them alone, with their sorrows intertwined.

(what the girl told her friend about the tormenting cruellest twilight hour for the lovers)

HOBBIES - ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS - PART ONE

activity: a specific action or task carried out for a particular purpose or as part of a routine.

amateur dramatics: a form of theater performed by non-professional actors as a hobby or for community engagement.

angler: a person who fishes with a hook and line, typically for sport or recreation.

angling: the activity of fishing with a hook and line, typically for sport or recreation.

astrology: the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their perceived influence on human affairs and natural phenomena.

ballroom dancing: a type of social dance performed by couples in a ballroom setting, typically to traditional music such as waltzes, foxtrots, and tangos.

birder: a person who observes and identifies birds as a hobby or for scientific purposes.

birding: the activity of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat, typically as a hobby or for scientific purposes.

birdwatcher: a person who watches birds in their natural habitat as a hobby or for scientific purposes.

birdwatching: the activity of observing birds in their natural habitat as a hobby or for scientific purposes.

bullfight: a traditional spectacle in which a person, typically a matador, taunts and fights a bull in an arena, often resulting in the death of the bull.

climb: to ascend, especially by using one's hands and feet on a steep or vertical surface.

climbing: the activity of ascending steep or vertical surfaces, typically rocks or mountains, using one's hands and feet.

clubbing: the activity of going to nightclubs or dance clubs, typically for socializing and dancing.

collector: a person who gathers or collects objects or specimens, often as a hobby or for scholarly purposes.