Thirukkural 1167 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
காமக் கடும்புனல் நீந்திக் கரைகாணேன்
யாமத்தும் யானே உளேன்.
Transliteration
Kaamak Katumpunal Neendhik Karaikaanen
Yaamaththum Yaane Ulen
Modern English
“I have tried to swim through this flood of longing but still cannot see its shore; even at midnight, I am alone.”
Modern Interpretation
I have tried to swim through this flood of longing but still cannot see its shore; even at midnight, I am alone. When everyone else is asleep and you are still waiting for someone, the night can feel endless.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
I have tried to swim through this flood of longing but still cannot see its shore; even at midnight, I am alone.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Wild waves of love I swim shoreless Pining alone in midnight hush
G.U. Pope Translation
I swim the cruel tide of love, and can no shore descry,In watches of the night, too, 'mid the waters, only I
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
I have swam across the terrible flood of lust, but have not seen its shore; even at midnight I am alone; still I live
Tamil commentary
காதல் துன்பமாகிய கடலை நீந்தியும் என்னால் கரை காண முடியவில்லை. நள்ளிரவுப் பொழுதினும் உறங்காமல் நான் தனியாகவே இருக்கிறேன்.
Chapter 117
More from Complainings
படர்மெலிந் திரங்கல்
It swells out like baled out spring How to bear this pain so writhing?
Kural 1162I can't conceal this nor complain For shame to him who caused this pain
Kural 1163In life -poles of this wearied frame Are poised the weights of lust and shame
Kural 1164My lust is a sea; I do not see A raft to go across safely
Kural 1165What wilt they prove when they are foes Who in friendship bring me woes!
Kural 1166The pleasure in love is oceanful But its pangs are more painful
Kural 1167Wild waves of love I swim shoreless Pining alone in midnight hush
Kural 1168Night's mercy lulls all souls to sleep Keeping but me for companionship
Kural 1169Crueller than that cruel he Are midnight hours gliding slowly
Kural 1170Like heart, if my sight reaches him It won't in floods of tears swim!