Bharatiyar poems

Subramnaia Bharati as famously referred to, was born Subramania, in 19th century in British India. He is a celebrated Tamil poet, who wrote on various subjects ranging from Nature, romance, philosophy, spirituality, freedom, politics, feminism, children etc. He is considered a forerunner of modern Tamil poetry due to his choice of words which were simple unlike his predecessors. His poems are passionate and intense and also embodies harsh criticism of the society. He was conferred the title 'Bharati', meaning the one blessed by the goddess of learning at the age of eleven at the Ettayapuram court honoring his talent in poetry. Talent can be attained through practice but many consider him to be born with the gift as he started composing poems and was able write with ease  at the age of eleven. Bharati being born to an orthodox brahmin family (considered to be high class in society) was well educated in the vedas and literature, however he chose to stand against his own people by denouncing the principles and practices of his community which were discriminating, much to the hatred of his fellow brahmins, in a society were caste system and untouchability were widely practiced and praised.  He also called for freedom of the country from British rulers and was faced with exile and imprisonment in the last few years of his life. Though Bharati had a short life (died at the age of 38) he left behind a long legacy to his name as his principles are much relevant in modern days, the philosopher that he is, having envisioned a sensible society in future which is yet to become a reality and his poems are widely read, the reason why he is called the 'mahakavi' (the great poet). 

Murasu
...

Vellai nirathoru poonai - engal 

Veettil valaruthu kandeer.

Pillaigal pettrathap poonai; - avai

perukkoru niram aagum;

Saambal niramoru kutti, - karun

santhu niramoru kutti,

pambu niramoru kutti, - vellai

paaliniramoru kutti.

Endha niramigunthalum - avai

yaavum oreytharam andro?

Indha niramsiridendrun 

Inthattramendru sillalamo?

Vannangal vettrumai pattal - athil

maanudar vettrumai illa.

Ennangal seigaigal ellam - Ingu 

yaavarukkum ondruenal kaaneer.

...

Anbendru kottu murase, - Athil

yaarukkum vidudalai undu;

...

Thunbangal yavume pogum - verum

soodhu pirivugal ponal.

...

English Translation:

(The poem is a work of social criticism on the discrimination of people on the basis of caste or color) 

U saw a white cat being 

cared for in my house.

The cat yielded kittens; which 

were each a color.

One of ash color, one 

of black color, one

the color of snake, one

pure white in color.

Though they were of different colors 

are'nt they all same?

will it be right to say that one color is higher

and another of lower stature?

Difference in color does 

not mean difference in people;

When thoughts and actions are similar. 

Hail love - for 

it will free us

sorrows of men will be disappear - when

the evil social differences are gone.

(Note: The English translation given above is conveys the meaning of the poem and is not a word by word translation and if for informative purposes only.)