"I Too Became a Poet" is a luminous collection of contemporary Tamil poetry translated into English that captures the profound beauty and paradoxes of human existence. These verses at once intimate and universal explore love's many dimensions, from its tender beginnings to its aching absences, while weaving in sharp observations about society, inequality, and the search for meaning in an impermanent world.

The poems move with lyrical precision, blending traditional Tamil imagery with modern sensibilities. A man counting meager wages is called "rich"; a lover searches for their beloved in every new face; a society debates whether art corrupts or reflects reality. Each piece, though brief, carries the weight of epiphany, revealing how the personal and political intertwine. The translator honors the original's cultural specificity while making the emotions accessible to all.

Ideal for readers of Rumi's spiritual brevity, Ocean Vuong's vulnerable lyricism, or the Thirukkural's philosophical clarity, this book is a testament to poetry's power to transcend language. The bilingual edition (Tamil-English) invites both native speakers and new audiences to savor the rhythm and resonance of the originals alongside their translations.

"A collection that lingers like a monsoon's first rain brief, intense, and drenching the soul long after it ends."

Pages: 118 Genre: Poetry / Asian Literature

Themes: Love, Social Justice, Impermanence, Cultural Identity