Cultivated land
offers abundant harvest
brings essence of life
On cleared and cultivated land,
exotic weeds and thistle stand,
whose seed is sought in great demand,
so farmers gain a helping hand.
This alien now does belong;
common is this bird’s distinctive song.
Spring courtship and a breeding throng;
autumn flocks keep bonding strong.
A buffy wash midst shades of brown,
and red-faced with a blackened crown,
gold bars on wings; prefer a town,
Goldfinches never let us down.
The peacocks dance
at grove near the cool pond;
and the lotuses brace
lamps like raised heads;
Nimbus clouds thrum
like loud drums;
and violet lilies scrutinize
the scene with bulbous eyes;
Hushed wavelets
array like curtains;
and the bees harmonize sweet songs,
like soothing tunes of (fish-shaped) harp;
Amidst this picturesque place,
the MARUDHAM is enthroned
*Marudham- The God of fertile land
The old Tamil literature describes the five species of lands,
kurunji-mountain land
marudam-cultivated land/farm land
mullai- forest land
neydal-beach/maritime tract
paalai- desert
This is my translation of a poem from Kamba Ramayanam
Kamba Ramayanam, is a Tamil epic that was written by the Tamil poet Kambar during the 12th century. Based on Valmiki's Ramayana (which is in Sanskrit), the story describes the life of King Rama.
Cultivated land
Cherished seeds scattered - roots - grows
Ample harvest reaped
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