Poems - by Mahakavi Sri Sri

Sri Sri Avunu Nijam 

ounu nizam, ounu nizam
ounu nizam, nee vanadhi
nee vanadhii, nee vanadhii
nee vanadhii nizam, nizam !

ledhu sukham, ledhu sukham,
ledhu sukham jagathuloo !
brathuku vrudha, chadhuvu vrudha,
kavitha vrudha ! vrudha, vrudha !

manamantha banisalam,
gaanugalam,peenugulam !
venuku dhaga, mundhu dhaga,
kudi yedamala dhagaa, dhagaa !

manadhii oka brathukenaa ?
kukkala vale, nakkala vale !
manadhi oka brathukenaa ?
sandhulaloo pandhula vale !

nizam sumi, nizam sumi,
nee vanadhii nizam sumi !
brathuku chaaya, chadhuvu maaya,
kavitha karakaaya sumi !

ledhu sukham,ledhu rasam
chedhu visham jeevafalam !
jeevafalam chedhu visham,
chedhu visham, chedhu visham !

ounu nizam, ounu nizam,
ounu nizam nee vanadhi!
nee vanadhii, nee vanadhii,
nee vanadhii nizam, nizam !

This is a telugu poem written by great telugu poet Srirangam Srinivasa Rao popularly known as Mahakavi Sri Sri. He was also a lyricist and playright par excellence. He was the first of his kind to break from traditional writing to modern writing in Telugu poetry. He would write about social issues that would move him. His words are still fresh and filled with passion for change to be brought about in this society. He was a revolutionary poet far beyond his times...one of his famous works is 'Mahaprasthanam'...

When I quoted the part of this poem (which is high lighted) it fitted the thought i wanted to express. But on the whole this poem may sound a bit defeatist to the 'new reader'....please don't take it that way. It is the frustration of the poet that comes out so lyrically beautiful to explain the dark truth of reality and to deromanticize the feelings and anger of the youth of 80's...

I am glad some of you listen to even quotes and poems that I recite in class and remember that and ask for it after so much of time having passed too...since it is in english transcript i think i don't need to explain it further...but if you are still not comfortable with this telugu let me know, i'll try to translate it in english and then explain it too....

There is always so much beauty in poetry - be it in any language. Every idea, thought and feel expressed so beautifully and in such less words...if you (any of you) want it or are interested i can post few of the poems that i know and come across as beautiful for you all....