ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem THE WEEPING FIELDS depicts the devastating aftermath of a fierce battle. Elephants, horses, warriors, and kings lie slain on the battlefield, their weapons and armor failing to save them. The drums of war are silent and the once-vibrant land is left desolate. The poem laments not only the loss of life and glory but also the loss of peace and joy in the kingdom. It mourns the uncertainty of the future, especially the happiness of women who once played and rejoiced by the ponds and fields of the land, now overshadowed by the destruction of war.

THE WEEPING FIELDS

A thousand elephants, their armor split and torn

By arrows lodged like stars in dusky skies,

Their trumpets mute, their strength by sorrow worn.

The horses, too, lay still—no neighs, no cries,

Beside the warriors slain in battle’s flame;

The charioteers lay veiled where death now lies.

Their breastplates, once of hide, concealed their frame,

Now drenched with blood, they glimmered dull and red;

The drums of war fell silent—none to claim.

The kings, with sandal-scent upon them spread,

Lay fallen too, their glory turned to dust;

No more shall crowns gleam bright upon their head.

What fate for lands bereft of noble trust?

What joy remains for women, once adorned,

Whose ponds with lilies bloomed in gentle gust

Who bathed in waters where green leaves were born,

And danced beneath the sun with blossoms bloom,

And laughed with garlands fresh from fields of corn?

PURANANURU - 63

POET: PARANAR

PATRONS: CHERAMAN KUDAKKO NEDUNCHERALADAN &

CHOLAN VERPARATAK KILLI, THE MIGHTY WIELDER OF THE SPEAR