More Wisdom Of Sumathi Poem by Ch J Satyananda Kumar

Telugu original: Baddena (1220-1280)
English translation: Ch J Satyananda Kumar

(1)

VeyyAru nadulu jalanidhi
Tiyyaka nanisambu galaya tiyyana galadA
Kuyyidu vaniki jnAnamu
Veyyi vidhambulanu delupa vrudharA sumathi

Even if thousands of rivers incessantly flow down
in to the ocean, will its waters turn sweet?
Even when wisdom is imparted in thousand ways
To a wicked, it is futile to reform him, oh man of fair mind

(2)

Videmu seyani norunu
jEdela yadharamruthambu jendani norun
pAdanga rAni nOrunu
bUdida kiruvaina pAdu bondara Sumathi

A mouth that does not chew betel leaves
A mouth that does not relish the nectar of women’s lower lips
A mouth that is not adept at singing
Is worth a disused ditch filled with thrown out cinders, oh man of fair mind

Glossary:

(1) Veyyaru = thousands of, Jalanidhi = Ocean, Kuyyidu = Wicked (Telugu colloquial usage ‘kuyya gadu’ derived from it)
(2) Videmu = betel leaves (Sweet paan) Chedelu = women, Adharamrutambu = nectar of lower lip
Budida = ashes/cinders, Padu bonda = disused ditch (Dust Bin)