Like
many of his other poems, Muthukal Thedi
(In Search of Pearls) is also a poem where the poet is on his relentless search
of his own self. Again, like in all his other poems, he approaches the theme in
a manner that is as beautiful as it is unique.
The poet
here reminds his mother of the precious gem that she had said was in there –
within him – a jewel that would shine like the Sun and fill his heart with
light – the possession of which was enough for him to take care of his entire
lifetime. Of course, mothers have a way of their own. Especially when it comes
to bringing their children around. And the son ventures to discover and acquire this
stone that is so priceless that there couldn’t be anything worthier on this earth.
With
much effort, he plunges into the pool of his own mind and begins a search for
the invaluable gemstone. In the process, he rebuilds the broken steps leading
to his own depths, and clears the mosses and water weeds on his way. He shovels
away the dirt and silt, which had settled over the years, leaving the waters as
clear as a mirror, reflecting the scenic views of the earth and the moon and
the sparkling stars in the sky.
The
poet, as usual, conveys his meanings in layers. He tells you what it takes to
clear all the undesirable encroachers that have invaded one’s mind. He tells you of the need
to restore oneself from their harmful impacts to reveal one’s own soul wherein
lies the jewel that is one's quintessential self. And to seek it one has to dive
deep, very deep, and with one’s five apertures closed and five vital breaths held
within the body, or rather, with total control over one’s senses and one’s
state of being.
And still the poet would reach the rock bottom to grab nothing but a handful of gravel or, at best, a few shining white pebbles. The jewel continues to be evasive. However, his mother surely couldn’t be wrong! And so he resolves to go back and try again and again until he finds the gem. And he beseeches his mother, the Mother Almighty, to bless him and help him persevere to find the jewel which is his own quintessence.
Smitha Keeran Warrier has put her heart and soul into her rendition, plunging into the lines and surfacing with the jewel within the poem.
© 1991 KTK
