A Patch of Land - C.Subramania Bharati

 

 A Patch of Land     - C.Subramania Bharati

C.Subramania Bharati is the author of the poem ‘A Patch of Land’. He was born on 11^th December 1882 at Ettayapuram in Tamilnadu and died on 11^th September 1921 in Chennai. He was a poet, journalist, social reformer and polyglot. He is bestowed the title "Mahakavi Bharathi" for his excellence in poetry. He was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. His well known works are ‘Kannan Pattu’, ‘Panchali Sapatham’, ‘Kuyil Pattu’. The poem ‘A Patch of Land’ depicts the desire of the poet for a peaceful, beautiful and natural atmosphere in which he wants to live.

The poet starts the poem by requesting the Goddess Parashakti, the goddess of power to grant him a patch of land. In Tamil text, ‘A Patch of land’ is called ‘Kanni nilam i.e.1.32acres. In the midst of the land, he desires to have a bungalow with the decorative pillars. He wishes to have balconies in that house and to be painted in white. The white color will give the poet peace of mind. In the land, nearby the well, he dreams to have ten to twelve coconut trees with long fronds and tender nuts.

The wish list of the poet continues. Being the lover of nature, he wants to sit and watch the moonlight entering through the groves like a shining pearl. He also wants to listen to the songs of the cuckoos while there is a gentle breeze. The gentle breeze will bring pleasure to his soul. He further appeals to the Supreme power to provide him a young woman with chastity as his life partner. He wants to share the joyous moment with her. Finally the poet appeals to the Supreme power to protect him and his wife for the sake of his powerful poetry. He assures to Parashakti that he is ready to submit his poetic abilities to save this earth. He concludes the poem with a note of prayer to protect the whole world. From this poem we can understand the poet’s love towards nature and the well being of others.