My Coat Is Torn Poem by sisirachandra vaduge

My coat is torn, never mind that, now I’m in my old age
I see the sign of a big shower of rain oncoming
Through my window still rain drops are dribbling
To the busy market place now I must make haste
To warm me with a sip of nectar, I d love to taste

My coat is torn, never mind that, now I m in my old age
Who will look at me, who will notice me, now in dotage?

When I get to the road I feel the wind blowing hard and cold
The coldness of loneliness enveloping me is harsher untold
In the drizzle I see a young couple cuddling less than one brolly
Holding tight to each other, oh! How they are strolling happily
Oh! I remember, those memorable days vividly

Though with a sip of ambrosia, warmth my body will find
With such a drink how can I ever, find warmth in my mind?
No, No, my quivering lips shall not touch the inviting wine
So I ll creep back to my sulking for loneliness is mine

My coat is torn, never mind that, now I m in my old age
Who will look at me, who will notice me, now in dotage

English translation by
Hilary Rajakarunanayake.


An adaptation of the famous Sinhala song “Kabaya irila eeta kamak neha” the lyric was written by late K.D.K.Darmawardana and sung by Padith W.D.AQmaradewa who has also composed the melody. “ Daily News “ Srilankan English Newspaper.