An obviously satirical poem. “Milord” is the translation of the original poem’s “ಭಟ್ಟ,” a most felicitous translation if I say so myself.
As usual, here is a my recording of the original Kannada poem.
The Little Black Pup (ಕರಿ ಮರಿ ನಾಯಿ)
The little black pup was whining away;
the voice of milord was shouting away.
Split-split splat-splat came down the rain;
then rushed away along the drain.
The wind wailed like a stricken banshee;
the little black pup paddled furiously.
From the window of his cosy house,
milord was looking out—curious;
The little black pup tried to get to the door;
a ‘thud!’ was the immediate answer.
O golly, o gosh, how brave of milord!
No house could have asked for a better guard.
‘I’d like to come in,’ said the little black pup;
‘You try, and I’ll kill you,’ replied his lordship.
(Translated by Madhav Ajjampur)
Poem Details: From the collection “ಗರಿ,” first published in 1932.
P.S: I have revised the second stanza of the poem to better reflect the original’s lines. My thanks to Sunaath Kaka for alerting me to the possibility of a better version and for offering his own couplet (which I have drawn from but not used).
Afterword:
Here is my recitation of the translation.
*****
NOTE:
Dear Reader,
If you have enjoyed this translation and the recitations, I hope you will consider buying my recently-released book (!) of English translations of selected Bendre poems. The book is titled The Pollen Waits On Tiptoe. If you are living in India, you can buy the book by going to this page.
THREE IMPORTANT MATTERS:
1. If you are living abroad, you will, unfortunately, not be allowed to buy the book on Amazon India. Therefore, if you would like one or more copies of the book, please write directly to me (mk.ajjampur@gmail.com) with your details.
2. Buying 10 or more books will entitle you an overall discount of 30%. To avail yourself of this discount, contact MUP directly at mup@manipal.edu.
3. The book is also available as an ebook. The app hosting the ebook is called VIVIDLIPI and the book can be purchased at this link. (Since the publisher does not have an agreement with Amazon, I am afraid the book is not available on Kindle.)
Da Ra Bendre in English 