Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar Poems

Ancient literary works are interpreted
By many and translated by many.
An interpretation is a deviation.
A translation is a deviation.
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Worships and rituals are recreations.
Masses and lectures are entertainments.
No reform takes place from these indulgences.
Yet we beam the God is in our favour.
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A woman nearby, man has an itch
To reach her and get a hold on her
As a vine reaches a stake nearby.
Man and vine dangle without a stake.
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Momentary and temporary
Is the taste of the food that we eat.
The taste cannot be resurrected.
Yet we go for rich food with an effort.
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Either sing a song or listen to one.
In music a singer forgets himself
And the listeners too forget themselves.
Without prejudices they immerse in bliss.
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A vast funeral he fetched for himself.
He didn't and couldn't know about it.
Yet he worked for it by sheer service
So that his kids would be proud of his death.
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Selfishness is a defensive action.
To not die but to survive is its drive.
It's always a disturbing force alive.
It is felt in a close relationship.
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Alexander the Great died at thirty two.
His goal had been to conquer the whole World.
Adolf Hitler committed suicide.
His goal had been to capture Europe.
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Plants suffer pruning as a price
While grown in a garden.
People suffer the same effect
While being in a society.
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Death is a mystery; it cannot be timed.
Nor is its manner, which cannot be planned.
Horrible death can happen to anyone,
Be he a seer, the wise, a king or a prince.
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