Memory birds Circle around you;
I lose myself watching their flight.
The strength of your love takes hold of me,
And though I falter,
I become a bee sipping nectar
From the sweetness of your love.
That is all I need.
Memory birds Circle around you;
I lose myself watching their flight.
This story recounts the experience of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee in the detention center in Brooklyn, New York. Ilango, a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, fled Sri Lanka after the country's worst communal riots, known as Black July '83, to seek refuge in Canada. On his way, he was stranded in New York and ended up in the detention center.
This short novel vividly describes his experience there. It was first published as a serial in Thayagam, a Canadian Tamil newspaper, and later published by Sneha Publishers in Tamil Nadu, India, and Magudam Publishers in Sri Lanka.
This English translation was done by the well-known writer and translator Latha Ramakrishnan.
English translation of the Tamil song written by V.N.Giritharan:
Music & Vocals: AI SUNO Art: AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4dQTN3nn0g
Song: The Great Tree That Doesn't Wither in Life's Storm by V.N.Giritharan:
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
Life is a vast river full of whirlpools.
In the swirling heart, I will stand firm.
What’s the use of breaking down?
What’s the benefit of falling, swept away?
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
As long as I live, I will create joy.
If a great obstacle arises, I will face it.
I will not retreat to the sidelines.
I will confront it. I will swim against the current and keep moving forward.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
We only live once here.
In our life, let’s realize the good.
I won’t be shaken by mirages.
I will recognize the illusion and keep walking.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
Relentless effort is the only necessity.
That alone is the solid foundation for growth.
I will journey with this truth in my heart.
A time of great prosperity is sure to greet me.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
- Composed and sung by AI SUNO. | Art ny AI -
This is the translation of my Tamil poem written in the eighties, later published in Thayagam (Canada) and in e-magazines Pathivukal and Thinnai. It is also included in my first anthology of poems published by Mangai Pathippagam.
Poem: Wake up, super human! By V.N.Giritharan
Concrete! Concrete! Concrete!
Walls! Radiating heat and burning with intensity,
The smooth, deceptive white surfaces.
Sidewalks of cement that wear a mocking grin.
Spaces lie entranced, embraced by fearless pillars.
In the filtration of air currents,
Flowing warm rays.
In the playful laughter of frost droplets,
The chill sweeps through,
Amid the sweetness of dreams about meadows,
Underneath the blue canvas,
Lie the sorrowful memories
Of the cold earth mother.
In the vastness of spacetime, Kannamma, I marvel at your tender heart. In the vastness of spacetime, Kannamma, I long to take flight, even f...
