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.
The rain was falling thick and fast;
Then rushing away towards the west.
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 K. Ajjampur)
Poem Details: From the collection “ಗರಿ,” first published in 1932.
