Separation unendurable

If you will say, 'I leave thee not,' then tell me so;
Of quick return tell those that can survive this woe

Explanation
If it is not departure, tell me; but if it is your speedy return, tell it to those who would be alive then.

Tamil Transliteration
Sellaamai Untel Enakkurai Matrunin
Valvaravu Vaazhvaark Kurai.

It once was perfect joy to look upon his face;
But now the fear of parting saddens each embrace

Explanation
His very look was once pleasing; but (now) even intercourse is painful through fear of separation.

Tamil Transliteration
Inkan Utaiththavar Paarval Pirivanjum
Punkan Utaiththaal Punarvu.

To trust henceforth is hard, if ever he depart,
E'en he, who knows his promise and my breaking heart

Explanation
As even the lover who understands (everything) may at times depart, confidence is hardly possible.

Tamil Transliteration
Aridharo Thetram Arivutaiyaar Kannum
Pirivo Ritaththunmai Yaan.

If he depart, who fondly said, 'Fear not,' what blame's incurred
By those who trusted to his reassuring word

Explanation
If he who bestowed his love and said "fear not" should depart, will it be the fault of those who believed in (his) assuring words ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Aliththanjal Endravar Neeppin Theliththasol
Theriyaarkku Unto Thavaru.

If you would guard my life, from going him restrain
Who fills my life! If he depart, hardly we meet again

Explanation
If you would save (my life), delay the departure of my destined (husband); for if he departs, intercourse will become impossible.

Tamil Transliteration
Ompin Amaindhaar Pirivompal Matravar
Neengin Aridhaal Punarvu.

To cherish longing hope that he should ever gracious be,
Is hard, when he could stand, and of departure speak to me

Explanation
Is hard, when he could stand, and of departure speak to me.

Tamil Transliteration
Pirivuraikkum Vankannar Aayin Aridhavar
Nalkuvar Ennum Nasai.

The bracelet slipping from my wrist announced before
Departure of the Prince that rules the ocean shore

Explanation
Do not the rings that begin to slide down my fingers forebode the separation of my lord ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Thuraivan Thurandhamai Thootraakol Munkai
Iraiiravaa Nindra Valai.

'Tis sad to sojourn in the town where no kind kinsmen dwell;
'Tis sadder still to bid a friend beloved farewell

Explanation
Painful is it to live in a friendless town; but far more painful is it to part from one's lover.

Tamil Transliteration
Innaadhu Inaniloor Vaazhdhal Adhaninum
Innaadhu Iniyaarp Pirivu.

Fire burns the hands that touch; but smart of love
Will burn in hearts that far away remove

Explanation
Fire burns when touched; but, like the sickness of love, can it also burn when removed ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Thotirsutin Alladhu Kaamanoi Pola
Vitirsutal Aatrumo Thee.

Sorrow's sadness meek sustaining, Driving sore distress away,
Separation uncomplaining Many bear the livelong day

Explanation
As if there were many indeed that can consent to the impossible, kill their pain, endure separation and yet continue to live afterwards.

Tamil Transliteration
Aridhaatri Allalnoi Neekkip Pirivaatrip
Pinirundhu Vaazhvaar Palar.