Complainings

I would my pain conceal, but see! it surging swells,
As streams to those that draw from ever-springing wells

Explanation
I would hide this pain from others; but it (only) swells like a spring to those who drain it.

Tamil Transliteration
Maraippenman Yaaniqdho Noyai Iraippavarkku
Ootruneer Pola Mikum.

I cannot hide this pain of mine, yet shame restrains
When I would tell it out to him who caused my pains

Explanation
I cannot conceal this pain, nor can I relate it without shame to him who has caused it.

Tamil Transliteration
Karaththalum Aatrenin Noyainoi Seydhaarkku
Uraiththalum Naanuth Tharum.

My soul, like porter's pole, within my wearied frame,
Sustains a two-fold burthen poised, of love and shame

Explanation
(Both) lust and shame, with my soul for their shoulder pole balance themselves on a body that cannot bear them.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaamamum Naanum Uyirkaavaath Thoongumen
Nonaa Utampin Akaththu.

A sea of love, 'tis true, I see stretched out before,
But not the trusty bark that wafts to yonder shore

Explanation
There is indeed a flood of lust; but there is no raft of safety to cross it with.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaamak Katalmannum Unte Adhuneendhum
Emap Punaimannum Il.

Who work us woe in friendship's trustful hour,
What will they prove when angry tempests lower

Explanation
What will they prove when angry tempests lower?.

Tamil Transliteration
Thuppin Evanaavar Mankol Thuyarvaravu
Natpinul Aatru Pavar.

A happy love 's sea of joy; but mightier sorrows roll
From unpropitious love athwart the troubled soul

Explanation
The pleasure of lust is (as great as) the sea; but the pain of lust is far greater.

Tamil Transliteration
Inpam Katalmatruk Kaamam Aqdhatungaal
Thunpam Adhanir Peridhu.

I swim the cruel tide of love, and can no shore descry,
In watches of the night, too, 'mid the waters, only I

Explanation
I have swam across the terrible flood of lust, but have not seen its shore; even at midnight I am alone; still I live.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaamak Katumpunal Neendhik Karaikaanen
Yaamaththum Yaane Ulen.

All living souls in slumber soft she steeps;
But me alone kind night for her companing keeps

Explanation
The night which graciously lulls to sleep all living creatures, has me alone for her companion.

Tamil Transliteration
Mannuyir Ellaam Thuyitri Aliththiraa
Ennalladhu Illai Thunai.

More cruel than the cruelty of him, the cruel one,
In these sad times are lengthening hours of night I watch alone

Explanation
The long nights of these days are far more cruel than the heartless one who is torturing me.

Tamil Transliteration
Kotiyaar Kotumaiyin Thaamkotiya Innaal
Netiya Kazhiyum Iraa.

When eye of mine would as my soul go forth to him,
It knows not how through floods of its own tears to swim

Explanation
Could mine eyes travel like my thoughts to the abode (of my absent lord), they would not swim in this flood of tears.

Tamil Transliteration
Ullampondru Ulvazhich Chelkirpin Vellaneer
Neendhala Mannoen Kan.