Three poems for Sri Lanka on presidential elections day
January 25th, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
January 26th 2010 is upon us!
It’s the Day of decision for Sri Lanka as it faces yet another election to either re-elect or elect the most powerful person in the Country.
My thoughts and prayers with all Sri Lankans as they cast their votes in what is perhaps the most crucial, controversial and colourful presidential poll the Country has seen.
I took some time off from the hustle and bustle of daily life to ponder over this election.
We’ve had many flaws in conducting elections in the past. The present one has already demonstrated its deficiencies. The poll is certainly flawed.
in Upparu-Trincomalee district, Jan 4, 2010 pic by: drs. Sarajevo
Despite these flaws Sri Lanka can be proud of keeping the light of democracy alive.
Today’s election too will be imperfect but this does not mean that it should be written off beforehand.
In spite of the imperfections and faults Sri Lanka must continue to keep up their democratic tradition alive and strive for greater perfection in the days to come.
For this as many voters as possible should exercise their franchise. They must vote early and go out to booths together in large numbers.
This is indeed Sri Lanka’s day of destiny and my heart goes out to every voter who will make difficult and often daring decisions and mark their ballot papers today.
It is in that pensive, reflective mood that I wish to share three poems with readers. I feel that they are appropriate to read and reflect on an important day like this for the Sri Lankan nation and people.
James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)
ONCE TO EVERY MAN AND NATION
The first is from James Russell Lowell a nineteenth century American poet.Lowell who had been a Professor at Harvard University and was also the first Editor of “Atlantic Monthly” wrote this poem for the “Boston Courier” of Dec 11th 1845. It was titled “The Present Crisis” and written in protest against America’s war with Mexico.
The title inspired the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) to name its official magazine “The CRISIS”. The NAACP is the premier Afro-American organization fighting for the rights and emancipation of the coloured people in the USA.
The poem is rather long with many parts that may not be relevant to Sri Lanka at this point of time.
There were however some verses that were modified into a Christian hymn. This hymn relates to the responsibilities of people as they make decisions shaping the destiny of their country.
It is a hymn often sung in Churches at times of national importance like an election.
I do feel that it would appeal not only to Christians but all people of goodwill who belive in a God or conscience.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (1929-1968)
Incidently this poem-hymn was quoted by Rev. Martin Luther King at the the conclusion of his speech, “Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” on April 4th, 1967 at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City.
Here are the four stanzas comprising this poem/ hymn titled “ONCE TO EVERY MAN AND NATION”. (Women please forgive Lowell. He was from another male-dominated era)
Stanza 1:
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Stanza 2:
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
Stanza 3:
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Stanza 4:
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
Rabindranath Tagore (1861 -1941)
WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR
The second poem I want to share with you all is from someone very well known in Sri Lanka. It’s from Rabindranath Tagore and I Know a whole lot of peple are familiar with this particular poem.
Tagore as is known was a Bengali and wrote poetry in the flowery Bengali language. An anthology of 103 his poems were published as the “Gitanjali” and was translated into English by the poet himself.
“Gitanjali” earned Tagore the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
Interestingly enough Tagore’s poems are sung as national anthems by two countries. “Jana Gana Mana” in India and “Amar Shonar Bangla” in Bangla Desh.
The poem I present here is “Chitto Jetha Bhayashunyo” (where the mind is without fear). It was written before Indian Independence from Britain and articulates the vision of Tagore for Free India.
This poem is one of the most well-known of Tagore’s creations and one of my favourites.
I do think it’s appropriate for Sri Lanka at this juncture. Here then is
“THE MIND WITHOUT FEAR”-
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action….
Into that heaven of freedom, my father, let my country awake”.
Robert Frost (1874 – 1963)
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
The third poem I would like to share with readers is also from an American poet the famous Robert Frost. He has been one of America’s frequently quoted poets.
Robet Lee Frost who won four Pulitzer prizes for poetry was born in California but lived in Massachusetts . Many of his poems were based on rural life in New England .They were used often to deal with complex philosophical themes.
“The road not taken” by Frost is a poem published in 1916 in the anthology “Mountain Interval”. It’s the first in the volume.
Apparently Frost used to take long walks with his friend and fellow poet Edward Thomas in the countryside.Thomas at the end of a walk would often complain that they should have taken another path.
This amused Frost and the poem was a gentle swipe at his friend’s pet peeve. However the poem was perceived to be of greater depth and regarded as inspirational.
Many regard it as a paean to individual freedom, independence of action and choice. According to some it illustrates “that once one takes a certain road, there is no turning back. Although one might change paths later on, the past cannot be changed. It can be seen as showing that choice is very important, and is a thing to be considered”.
I do think the question of choice in deciding which path to pursue is of paramount importance to the Sri Lankan people as they go to the polling booths today to make their choice and decide upon the future course of the Country.
Here then are the verses from “THE ROAD NOT TAKEN” by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”
I do hope that these poems would be of some relevance to readers .On that poetic note I take leave with the fervent hope that my people would make an informed , courageous choice on this D-day.
Jeyaraj’s Jottings – 1
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at dbsjeyaraj@yahoo.com
Entry Filed under: Jeyaraj's Jottings
40 Comments Add your own
1. Suvendrini | January 25th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Very good selection of poems. Most appropriate
DBSJ we Hope you will present us with other aspects of your personality through blogs like this instead of writing on dirty politics and foul politicians
Wish our presidential candidates read these poems and reflected on the noble thoughts here
2. Gloria Abraham | January 25th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Pleasant surprise to see DBS on a different track today
Wish you’ll give us more of this kind
I’ve sung the hymn many times in Church
I’ve also read Frost’s poem in class for Eng.Lit those days in school
As for Tagore’s classic it’s there as a wall-hanging parchment in my home
Dear DBS, I’ve found myself in tune with your views on so many occasions
But in reading your poem selections only I realised how much in harmony we are
Thank you for this
Thank you Gloria . Its good to know these poems are appreciated………….DBSJ
3. krishanthan | January 25th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Splendid, I enjoyed it . How appropriate for the day.. thanks J …..
4. Athula | January 25th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Thank you very much DBS. This is an excellent article at this very important moment of our country. I hope everyone in my country will be able to excercise his or her ultimate right without fear.
I hope so too.May all things change for the better……………DBSJ
5. Jayantha De Mel | January 25th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
“I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”
is this a subtle nudge to vote for SF??? …mmmm…….
hmmmmm , Why not a subtlle nudge to vote for Bahu or Siritunga or UB Wijekoon?……….DBSJ
6. chaminda | January 25th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Interesting enough, I did use Robert Frost’s “THE ROAD NOT TAKEN” to start my admissions essay for MBA . Printed copy of his poem still hangs in my office. For some reason every time I have to make decision life or business I always go back to the poem before making the decision.
Thanks for showing another use of this poem.
Thanks for sharing this. Its amazing how good poetry becomes inter-twined with our lives at times………DBSJ
7. Renuka | January 25th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Jeyaraj deserves our gratitude for giving us all poetic food for pensive thought.
What a pity most of our Politicians have no time to read or reflect
Asking peoplle like cardboard Dutugemunu to read this will be like giving a jasmine garland to a lemur
8. kapila | January 25th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
You are right DBSJ and today is the day of reckoning for our beloved Sri Lanka. I hope the day will dawn for people like yourself to come back to this beauiful island and contribute to build this shattered country. You can educate the next generation to think, read and write like you. Sri Lanka needs
all the intellectuals to come back to rebuild the country.
If intellectulals from the diaspora tamils come back and help the tamil community to improve their lot, that in turn will benefit the whole country, but I know that, it is easily said than done.
Thank You.My hunch is we have to go through a dark hour of the night before the day breaks………..DBSJ
9. Rev. K.Pannasiri | January 26th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Unfortunately (enenthough they speak English) our politicians are not wise enough to understand the real meaning of these poems.
I believe that a country would be better only when its leaders (president and other politicians) become poets or philosophers. When will that happen in our country?
Even if we dont get philosopher-kings let’s get decent people as leaders at least…………….DBSJ
10. Wettimuni | January 26th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Good selection in poems. very suitable for occasion
11. Mahasen | January 26th, 2010 at 2:00 am
Today Is Sri Lanka’s DAY.
12. shankar | January 26th, 2010 at 3:34 am
#7-Renuka
Asking peoplle like cardboard Dutugemunu to read this will be like giving a jasmine garland to a lemu
——————————————————————————
He will say ” Mey Robert Frost kiyala yakek mata mokkaddo liyala thiyanawa. Poddak balanda moo kawda kiyala. mata yanda epalu pare. Oo kawda mata kiyanda. oota thennan vada”.
13. Sanjeewa | January 26th, 2010 at 3:35 am
Thank you DBSJ. Very appropriate for the time!
14. Mahasen | January 26th, 2010 at 3:57 am
“All must venerate their Gods in worship.
Visiting respective Mandir of Deities.
If unavailable; set an alter in one’s humble lodgings.
If no proper place at reach,
One can consider the heart
As Ideal place of worship.”
Gurugi Rabindranath Tagore
NB: Apology: over the Error I made earlier.
Mahasen
15. Rohith | January 26th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Thank you DBS. If only our leaders were upright and responsible.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep (Robert Frost)
Thanks. Jawarhalal Nehru had these above verse from Frost on a plaque on his desk………..DBSJ
16. bob | January 26th, 2010 at 6:23 am
AND THE WINNER IS DBSJ
ha!ha!ha!…… Ultimately the winners are the people………….DBSJ
17. Vinod Joseph | January 26th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Very inspiring. Here’s wishing the good people of Sri Lanka all the very best!
18. Moda Putha | January 26th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Shankar’s comments to Renuka (refer 12 above),
well said had a good laugh.
19. Revi unni | January 26th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Dear DBSJ
How apt and touching
Your writing and selection of poems was a treat
God bless you and your country
Revi Unni
Thank you…….DBSJ
20. dilshan f | January 26th, 2010 at 8:43 am
I have followed all your writings during the past few months. Surely you are baring a bit of your soul here. So instead of putting many words I would say a lot by saying thank you.
Another chapter unfolds.
God bless you my friend.
Esto perpetua! – you know what that means.
Thanks Dilshan”Be Thou For Ever”. (you know how to say it in Latin)tee hee……….DBSJ
21. Rain Bow | January 26th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hey DBSJ! Thank you for that. I have enjoyed these poems since doing English as a subject for my advanced level. Poetry is thought provoking and refreshing.
I wish more and more people would read your writings. Could you teach us to write like you?
Keep on writing!
Thank You………DBSJ
22. William Nyigor | January 26th, 2010 at 9:57 am
I am from Sarawak, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. I came across your site by chance late last year, and have been visiting it at least weekly ever since. I would like to congratulate you on your postings. They are analytical and factual, and they fascinate me, even though the issues are probably quite distant to a person like me. Your three poems today is very pleasant surprise, a change from the usual topics. I read that Robert Frost’s poem while in school but did not remember much about it until now. The three poems have universal meaning and appeal, and apply to all of us, whoever and wherever we are. I look forward to more such postings from you in the future.
Cheers. William Nyigor
Thank You.It was a pleasant surprise hearing from you.I’m glad you posted this comment…….DBSJ
23. bob | January 26th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Though unrelated to this thread : This news item bothers me : There is a move on the part of Saudi authorities to stop housemaids coming from certain countries including Sri Lanka. The local Labor Recruitment Committee said Saudi is serious in imposing a ban on the import of housemaids from Sri Lanka
24. Max Headroom | January 26th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I am writing this at 8.45 pm from Sri Lanka, after listening to the 8.00 pm news on local TV.
I am ashamed of the Government of Sri Lanka to know that Bombs have been set off in the Jaffna district – to scare voters with telling effect – resulting in low voter turnout. Buses have not been provided to our tamil speaking citizens to go for voting in the Vanni district.
As a Sinhala, Buddhist, Sri Lankan there should be an autonomous region in Sri Lanka for Tamil people to govern and live there life.
The majority population of Sri Lanka are not at all concerned about ensuring rights and privileges that they well enjoy on their counterparts in the North.
Tamil people have historically made the mistake of going with the Western nations to get their rights. Western nations are not interested in their rights only on their interests. Case in example is Maoists in Nepal.
The Rajapakse government has made the shift to look for sustenance from China and India. I wish Tamil people will do the same. I don’t think India will do anything unless China steps in to develop the Northern areas and send shivers down Indias spine.
I do not know what the Election result would be, tomorrow. I think it is inevitable that Mahinda Rajapakse wll be re-elected and with that Sri Lanka will become a failed state!
For me and the middle class professionals in Sri Lanka, who especially work in the private sector, in an around Colombo, our future will be doomed. I am frightened to even imagine the future of our children.
25. Max Headroom | January 26th, 2010 at 10:40 am
DBSJ, please move my comment to an blog post you will write about the Presdeintial Election in Sri Lanka. This is not an appropriate for this blog! Sorry and I hope you will understand that I wrote in haste to get the frustration out of my mind. Thanks.
It’s OK let it be there.I felt you were fuming& needed an outlet.That’s why I released it…………DBSJ
26. Sri | January 26th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Thanks,Jeyaraj!
Oh! How sensitive you are!!!
27. Suhanya | January 26th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Beautiful poems.Excellent choice.It brings back memories from my days in Peradeniya.Thank you DBSJ.
You are welcome……………DBSJ
28. Palan | January 26th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Whoever wins there is going to be a lot of controversy over the start date of the new term of the President.
I think the next article would be on
polisization of Sri Lankan Judiciary
29. RMM | January 26th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
DBSJ, Tagore’s poem is one of my favourites. I recall my mother saying she met him once.. That is one of the best poems ever. We don’t need to rely on western poetry to sum up the despair people feel. Let me share with you two of my favourite quotes from our Buddhist Scriptures.
I will like to share the following with both leading candidates for the Presidency of Sri Lanka, their coteries and politicians and all the important people who control the destinies of millions of powerless people to please heed these.
First is on violence and hate:
· “Hatred begets hatred, and violence begets violence; it is only through compassion and tolerance that this ancient cycle of suffering be ended”
Next one is on conduct:
· “No one is born superior(brahmano in the ancient context) to another by virtue of birth race or creed; no one is born inferior(wasala) to another by virtue of birth, race or creed. It is ONLY and only our actions that will make us superior or inferior beings”.
Those word ring more true than any poem.
30. RMM | January 26th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
two notes, A cousin of mine in protest voted for UB (Ukku Banda) Wijekoon because he was sick with the pathetic propaganda and the personal attacks by MR and SF camps and SF’s arrogance and threats and MR’s corruption(or alleged corruption)
Another good friend of mine drew two giant penises in Red against MR’s and SF’s names and said they are both pricks and deserve to be pricks. He was leaning against MR until SF got CBK’s Machiavellian endorsement. He is a very upright upper class successful business who complained about Basil R’c cut on almost all contracts and deals.
31. TRN | January 26th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
yes, lets pray and hope all our aspirations and desires for our motherland to come true. For SL to be a place of living without fear and all citizens willbe treated with respect & dignity . Many will start thinking intellectually and philosophically than being oppertunistic.
I do believe in ‘ standeth God within the shadow keeping watch above His own’ before we know which path the majority took. unfortunate we r not in our country to vote.
so few morew hours
32. Deidre | January 26th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Very inspiring poems Jeyaraj
They have universal appeal but most apt for Lanka at this time
May God bless you
33. Nimal | January 26th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Dear Mr Jeyaraj,
I read the three poems written on this important day for all Srilankans. The only thing as some have mentioned in their comments a few politicians and the people in our country will understand the ideas behind them. First, most of us do not have a good English knowledge to understand such poems in English medium. As someone has mentioned people like you must come back to our motherland and give education to all.
Thank you very much for sending such valuable articles to the media.
I thank you personally for your attempt to give readers to follow the best ways in life.
Regards.
Nimal
Thank You. I do hope that day will dawn very soon……………DBSJ
34. Dayaratne | January 27th, 2010 at 5:16 am
Counting seems to be just over.
DSBJ, we’ve not been effective enough. But we couldn’t have done more.
Let’s hope Dayananda Dissanayake makes some forthright comments to restore the dignity of our country.
35. Max Headroom | January 27th, 2010 at 6:23 am
DBSJ: Thanks for removing my comment made here under haste
36. Thiru Moorthy | January 27th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
DBSJ…Thanks…..Comment No.15 Rohith…nice to see those lines which is my favorite poem and those last 2 lines were impressive and unforgetable from my school days.
Valuable info from DBSJ that our 1st PM had this on his table. (As a coincidence, i look back with pride i too kept this poem – full version on my table when i started my career as Junior Engineer in an Architect’s firm in Chennai a decade ago.
And …Dear DBSJ…i have been reading your writings for the past 2 years or so..Although i have difference in opinion about your anti-tiger stance , i respect your views which are balanced and soothing to the heart. I hope and wish Srilankan people and the nation a peaceful life hereafter.
Let MR and the host of politicians read these peoms and let their mind to become a soft one. If that happens, peace and prosperity will return and i m sure DBSJ will some day be able to recite the FULL poem standing alongside some village of Srilanka like the one in this poem who travels by horse and stands on the way-side.
I too got the same feelings (even before i read this poem) whenever i travel by train and the train slows down in Thanjavur dist. of T.N. only thing there will not be so much snow.
Again, best wishes SL and DBSJ..like one of the reader posted here, i too wish intellectuals and soft minded people like DBSJ..should be able to go back to SL and be part of nation building exercise…(DBSJ…this is no “Muga sthuthi”…v had not seen each other…) May God Bless you with long life and Good health…Thanks…Thiru Moorthy.
37. Ambi | January 27th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I was pleasantly surprised with this article ( 3 poems)
Mr Jeyaraj.
It will be lovely to see more such articles with deeper spiritual meaning which is desperately needed. Such articles bring the best in people and gives the opportunity to reflect on what really matters to us humans.
38. shankar | January 27th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
#36-thiru moorthy
Let MR and the host of politicians read these peoms and let their mind to become a soft one
——————————————————————————
If you send them this they will think this is an international conspiracy to weaken their resolve to take on the world.
39. rajeewa | February 14th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
“My country is Kiltartan’s cross
my countrymen Kiltartan’s poor;
no likely end would bring them loss;
nor leave them richer than before.
40. Lanka siriwardana | July 25th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Thanks for pubishing these valuble poems here.
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