Haiku by Manikandan Chandran (Pagalavan) (India)
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crossing the road
on elephant’s back
forest soil
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道渡る象の背中に森の土
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HAIKU to Akita’s “Haiku Beyond Earth”
on park bench
single flower
holds place for whom?
公園のベンチのそばに花一輪誰かのために咲いているのか
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a temple bell
made resurrection
an Islamic hand
寺の鐘イスラムの手で復活す
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after the sun descended
returned to the tree
its shadow
日没後木の影元に戻りけり
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under the head
crippled person had rested
a prosthetic leg
義足置く頭の下で休ませる
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dragonfly
sitting quietly on
cracker about to burst
破裂する爆竹の上蜻蛉かな
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in the balance money
given by the florist
a few petals
残金は花びら数枚花屋より
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crossing the road
on elephant’s back
forest soil
道渡る象の背中に森の土
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on the grave
a dry leaf suddenly
overturned and laid
墓の上ひっくり返る乾いた葉
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in the scarecrow’s
flowered shirt
a lot of scratches
花柄の案山子のシャツに傷多し
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inside the mailbox
without an address
a feather
住所なし郵便受けに羽一本
Original (Tamil) haiku by Pagalavan
Translated haiku from Tamil to English by Pagalavan
Illustrated by Pagalavan
Translated haiku into Japanese by Hidenori Hiruta
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Note: Short Japanese Poetry of 17 phonetic Units of 5, 7, 5 Pattern
Inspired by ten English haiku by Pagalavan, Hidenori Hiruta translated them literally into ten Japanese short poems first of all.
As a result, nine interpretative Japanese poems of 5, 7, 5 pattern are added to the English haiku as above. They might be haiku（俳句）or senryū（川柳).
And one of the English haiku is interpreted into Japanese tanka （短歌）form of 5,7,5,7,7 pattern.
This is because English is different from Japanese.
BIO:
C. Manikandan, known by his pen name Pagalavan, was born on January 18, 1992, in the culturally rich town of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. His life journey is a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and the unyielding spirit to explore diverse realms of art and science.
Pagalavan’s early years were spent in Brunei, where he undertook his basic schooling. This early education in Malay significantly delayed his opportunity to learn his mother tongue, Tamil, until the age of ten. Despite this initial barrier, Pagalavan’s affinity for Tamil grew profoundly strong, eventually shaping him into a celebrated Tamil poet. His resilience and passion for his native language are evident as he penned his first book at the age of 24.
Educationally, Pagalavan pursued a path that balanced both the arts and sciences. He earned his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious University of Nottingham in Malaysia, supplementing it with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.,). This academic background provided him with a solid foundation in both technical and educational fields. Currently, he utilizes this expertise as a NEET examination trainer for Physics, guiding and mentoring aspiring medical students.
Pagalavan’s literary contributions are substantial. He has authored five anthologies of Tamil poetry and a bilingual haiga book, a blend of haiku and visual art, showcasing his versatility and creativity in merging different artistic forms. His work has not gone unnoticed; his second book earned him the Kavichudar (Poetic Flame) award, a significant recognition in the Tamil literary community.
Beyond poetry, Pagalavan is a true polymath. He has delved into various artistic and literary domains, becoming a novelist, lyricist, translator, story narrator, and orator. His talents extend into the performing arts as well, where he has made a mark as an artist, actor, short film director, carnatic singer, guitarist, and folk dancer. His skills in mime, photography, archery, and cricket coaching further illustrate his diverse interests and abilities. Additionally, he entertains and engages audiences as a program anchor, stand-up comedian, and mimicry artist.
Pagalavan’s life story is a vibrant mosaic of cultural and intellectual pursuits. His journey from learning Tamil at the age of ten to becoming an award-winning poet and a versatile artist exemplifies his extraordinary dedication and passion. His contributions to Tamil literature and his multifaceted talents continue to inspire and enrich the cultural landscape. Through his work, Pagalavan not only celebrates his heritage but also encourages a deep appreciation for the arts and sciences, making him a remarkable figure in both the literary and academic worlds.
Akita International Haiku Network 