In the vibrant landscape of Tamil poetry and literature in Singapore, Latha stands as a celebrated figure. Her voice, one of the few female voices in a field still largely dominated by men, resonates with honesty and insight, delving into the nuances of minority identities and marginalized communities. Latha’s impactful writing has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Singapore Literature Prize for Tamil Fiction in 2008. Her work has since been translated into English, German, and French, solidifying her international appeal. Most recently, she was awarded the same prize for her collection of short stories, *Cheenalakshumi*, which beautifully portrays the daily lives of Singaporean women in all their complexities and imperfections.
For Vogue Singapore’s October fourth anniversary issue, Latha has contributed a powerful poem inspired by the theme of ‘Community’. The poem speaks with great candor about the inevitable journey that everyone embarks upon – the paths we pave, the choices we make, and the inevitable deviations we encounter along the way.
Here is the original Tamil poem, followed by Latha’s English translation:
பெருங்கவிதை பயணிகள்கவனத்துக்கு இதுஒருபெருங்கவிதை ஆம்பெருங்கவிதை பயணம்மறந்துபயணிப்பவர்களுக்கு இனம் , சமயம் , மொழிபேதமின்றி எல்லாரும்பயணிக்கிறோம் எல்லாவிதமானபேதங்களுக்குள்ளும் பயணத்தில் பேதங்களைக் களைகிறோம் முழுவதும்அல்ல பயப்படுகிறோம் போட்டிபோடுகிறோம் முடியாதபோதுபுதுவிதிசெய்கிறோம் விதிக்குள் வராதவர்கள் தோற்பர் தோற்கடிக்கப்படுவர் விதிகள்எல்லையற்றவை கவிதை எல்லையற்று … – லதா
A Long Poem
Attention please,
This is a long poem
For the travellers who
Forget that they are journeying
Regardless of race, religion, or language
All of us travel
We travel into all kinds of dissonances
Dissonances do not hinder us
We pave a way for ourselves
But not totally
We fear
We compete
When we cannot, We make new rules
Those who do not conform fail
Or will be defeated
Rules are infinite
Poetry has no boundaries… – Latha
Latha’s poem beautifully encapsulates the complexities of community. It acknowledges the diversity of human experience, the challenges we face, and the constant need to forge our own paths. It is a timely and relevant piece that speaks to the heart of what it means to belong in a world filled with both unity and dissonance.
You can find Vogue Singapore’s October anniversary ‘Community’ issue available online and in stores from October 4th, 2024.
