Many of us rear the cat;
Rearing the dog is for security;
Rearing the sheep and hen is for food;
Rearing the cow and buffalo is for milk;
Rearing the oxen is for ploughing!
We are accustomed to rear
the animals considering their purpose;
But what is the purpose of rearing the cat?
Do you say it is due to the rats' problem?
But there are other ways to eradicate rats!
Is there a market value for the cat?
We can't sell it after we rear;
Will it give milk? No!
With the higher cost of the milk,
We have to buy milk and pour for it!
It might roll the utensils,
Its hair might be spreading everywhere;
It might come and go as it likes;
Then, why do we rear, fondle
and love the cat like a child?
Because, our heart likes
the prattling of the living beings!
It enhances the compassion
by seeing the tiny living being
on our command under our feet!
Our heart gets fulfilled when we feed somebody;
We get consolation while we offer protection;
Our mind has the nature of safeguarding various lives!
The cat with hair, nails and the pearly eyes
Satisfies that desire at least to some extent!
Yes, we rear the cat!
Ref: A Tamil poem ஏன் பூனை வளர்க்கிறோம்? by Poet.MagudEswaran, published in Ananda vikatan on 22.10.2014. ஓவியம்: மருது
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This goes into the list of my favourite poems. Such a nice write about friendly animals in general and cat in particular. The Q & A and rationale about why cats are reared by men is quite interesting. Thank you, Dr. Kanniyappan for translating an amazing poem from Tamil to English.
Dear Rajnish, Thanks for your nice comment and encouragement.