TRANSLATED FROM TAMIL BY R. SUNDARESAN
How long is the elephant’s trunk!
how long could the elephant stretch its trunk
to offer charity to whosoever is in need!
its trunk is long!
but does its mind reach anyone
who desperately wants
to cling to a helping hand?
The cat sits eyes closed
in a trance!
but does it meditate?
penance it knows not
nor pity.