Embracing The Relations [from 'naaladiyaar' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

201. The strains of pregnancy and pains of child-birth,
wane, as her baby makes her brim with mirth.
Thus the weariness of people wears away
on seeing their caring kin's sway.

202. The duties of a good man are to protect
the friends, like the banyan which beats the summer
and yields cool shades to all, and the fruit trees
which bear the stones hurled and shed the sweet fruits.

203. O, Chief of the mountain ranges! The branches
bear all the unripe fruits hanging fast and close.
The great people don't refuse to help
to those who approach them for succor.

204. Friendship made with the mean people
though known to all, lasts only a few days.
The friendship formed with the great, who feel not
tired to help others lasts for ever.

205. The features, "they are of this kind, like this type,
Ours, Others" are not ascribed to the great.
They approach those in troubles to help
and so they are great people to all.

206. Eat the saltless rice of grass served in a bowl
by your loving kin rather than the fine rice
like th' nails of tigers mixed with milk and sugar
in a golden platter from those who hate.

207. O, listen! The delicious food with dishes
eaten in the morn at the house of hateful
tastes bitter like the Neem. The late evening food
with greens from the house of our kin tastes sweet.

208. Those who give food, rebuking daily like
the beating hammer, forsake as the pliers.
The caring kin help and suffer with us
in misery like th' branding iron in the fire.

209. O, cool garlands wearing lass! Those who don't live
in joy with loving kin and share the sorrows
till the end of this birth, will have anything
to do for the kin in the next birth?

210. The luscious fried mutton rice like the cat's eyes
eaten in the house of the unkind, tastes
bitter like the Neem. But the soaked rice of grass
taken in our kin's house is healthy nectar.