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Manimekalai

Posted: 09 Aug 2018, 11:00
by SivaRamanathan
I must have been six or seven
I was familiar with Amma’s Muruga songs
passionate, throaty, half in love with Tamil
and half for the Tamil God.




Then her voice changed
her tone mellowed, she turned to Krishna.
Someone had told her to woo Kannan
the eternal lover and ask for a son.




She twirled under the Pavalamalli tree
I had only seen her doing that at Pondicherry
with coloured plastic rings to slim her waist
she sang threading those red stemmed
white delicate flowers,to make a garland.



She looked mad with love, and I feared
Appa would get angry—first it was Muruga
now Krishna—Krishna had Meera and Radha
Rukmani also, so where was she, ordinary Mani?







Re: Manimekalai

Posted: 09 Aug 2018, 22:48
by Kenneth2816
As unfamiliar as I am with the subject matter, I can appreciate the ecstatic devotion. It is said that Nuns believe themselves married to Christ.

I can picture this. Ive seen Pentecostals sway and swoon, as if hypnotized, in a religious ecstasy.

Re: Manimekalai

Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 05:14
by SivaRamanathan
Kenneth

I smiled when I read your comment.What an analogy.Yes, you have got it right. I wanted Meena to work on her Andal poem. This too has not come out well in that sense. Albeit it was an attempt.

S

Re: Manimekalai

Posted: 11 Aug 2018, 20:27
by BobBradshaw
I like the passion of the poem. Providing more concrete details would help immerse us in the scene. Your stanza with the rings is the best stanza, because of its details.

Re: Manimekalai

Posted: 13 Aug 2018, 02:26
by IndianaDP
My lack of understanding regarding these customs is a great hinderance, but I can comprehend this woman’s passion for having a son and throwing herself deeply into whatever god she felt would help her the most.

Re: Manimekalai

Posted: 13 Aug 2018, 15:01
by meenas17
Good imagination, Siva!
Amma is not fondly in love with Krishna or Muruga, the ordinary way.
She expresses devotion.
Nicely done.
A little improvement will enhance the poem's impression.
Keep going.