Mutual Desire

My eyes have lost their brightness, sight is dimmed; my fingers worn,
With nothing on the wall the days since I was left forlorn

Explanation
My finger has worn away by marking (on the wall) the days he has been absent while my eyes have lost their lustre and begin to fail.

Tamil Transliteration
Vaalatrup Purkendra Kannum Avarsendra
Naalotrith Theyndha Viral.

O thou with gleaming jewels decked, could I forget for this one day,
Henceforth these bracelets from my arms will slip, my beauty worn away

Explanation
O you bright-jewelled maid, if I forget (him) today, my shoulders will lose their beauty even in the other life and make my bracelets loose.

Tamil Transliteration
Ilangizhaai Indru Marappinen Tholmel
Kalangazhiyum Kaarikai Neeththu.

On victory intent, His mind sole company he went;
And I yet life sustain And long to see his face again

Explanation
I still live by longing for the arrival of him who has gone out of love for victory and with valour as his guide.

Tamil Transliteration
Urannasaii Ullam Thunaiyaakach Chendraar
Varalnasaii Innum Ulen.

'He comes again, who left my side, and I shall taste love's joy,'-
My heart with rapture swells, when thoughts like these my mind employ

Explanation
My heart is rid of its sorrow and swells with rapture to think of my absent lover returning with his love.

Tamil Transliteration
Kootiya Kaamam Pirindhaar Varavullik
Kotuko Terumen Nenju.

O let me see my spouse again and sate these longing eyes!
That instant from my wasted frame all pallor flies

Explanation
May I look on my lover till I am satisfied and thereafter will vanish the sallowness of my slender shoulders.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaankaman Konkanaik Kannaarak Kantapin
Neengumen Mendhol Pasappu.

O let my spouse but come again to me one day!
I'll drink that nectar: wasting grief shall flee away

Explanation
May my husband return some day; and then will I enjoy (him) so as to destroy all this agonizing sorrow.

Tamil Transliteration
Varukaman Konkan Orunaal Parukuvan
Paidhalnoi Ellaam Keta.

Shall I draw back, or yield myself, or shall both mingled be,
When he returns, my spouse, dear as these eyes to me

Explanation
On the return of him who is as dear as my eyes, am I displeased or am I to embrace (him); or am I to do both?.

Tamil Transliteration
Pulappenkol Pulluven Kollo Kalappenkol
Kananna Kelir Viran.

O would my king would fight, o'ercome, devide the spoil;
At home, to-night, the banquet spread should crown the toil

Explanation
Let the king fight and gain (victories); (but) let me be united to my wife and feast the evening.

Tamil Transliteration
Vinaikalandhu Vendreeka Vendhan Manaikalandhu
Maalai Ayarkam Virundhu.

One day will seem like seven to those who watch and yearn
For that glad day when wanderers from afar return

Explanation
To those who suffer waiting for the day of return of their distant lovers one day is as long as seven days.

Tamil Transliteration
Orunaal Ezhunaalpol Sellumsen Sendraar
Varunaalvaiththu Engu Pavarkku.

What's my return, the meeting hour, the wished-for greeting worth,
If she heart-broken lie, with all her life poured forth

Explanation
After (my wife) has died of a broken heart, what good will there be if she is to receive me, has received me, or has even embraced me?.

Tamil Transliteration
Perinennaam Petrakkaal Ennaam Urinennaam
Ullam Utaindhukkak Kaal.