–Isai
With the pambai playing
And udukai drumming
The curtains open
To manifest Goddess Mariamman*
The Disemboweleress
With the quivering bell
and lamplight dancing on her face
The pouting lower lip
of a barren woman
disembowels Mariamman.
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* A Fiery Tamil Goddess
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Translated by Karthik from the Tamil poem, ‘Kudaluruvi’ by Isai
Madhuram 