The Ungrateful Wealth [from 'naaladiyaar' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

261.The bats don't seek the fruits of the Vila tree
nearby, as its bottom has surface rough.
The poor don't think of a nearby niggard
Whose hoarded wealth is useless to the world.

262.They don't stretch hands towards the thorny Cactus
though they could pluck its buds to wear.
The low-born have large wealth but benevolence
and so the sensible don't seek their help.

263.Though they live in the coast of the smashing waves,
they seek the spring of sweet water to drink.
Though some rich are around, the poor seek
the help of the benevolent from afar.

264.Different are the virtues of wealth and wisdom
in this sea-girt world. The Wise suffer in want
but the stupids like some *hedges are happy
wearing silk and cotton garments.

265.O, You damsel with spear-like eyes! When people
of good wisdom and character remain poor,
in this world, the virtueless low-born are rich.
These are all the results of the past deeds!

266.O, Goddess of Wealth perching on a lotus!
You left out the good men adored like gold
and leaned towards the low-born. Be you cursed
like the petals to ruin and reduce to ash.

267.O, you with spear-like eyes! Does the dearth
in the generous have no shame? Does the wealth
of the stingy stick to them like Jack-fruit's gum?
Be in awe to know the ways of dearth and wealth!

268.The shameful noble in want walk far to get
some mix of foodstuffs to eat and live.
But the shameless men with riches dine at home
sumptuous feasts with dishes and sweating buckets.

269.When the golden paddy crops with corns go dry
for want of water, lightning flashes and clouds
burst in the sea. When the fools acquire wealth
they squander it without helping others.

270.The fools are fools though they learned.
The wise are learned though they haven't learned.
Those who stretch not hands in utter dearth
are really rich. The stingy rich are the poor.