DONA ISABELLA
CORNELIS GARDIARACHCHI
Gajaman Nona, a poetess of fame
Was said to be a ravishing beauty , with grace
Her love for poetry was immensely great
To learn under a monk, she posed as a male.
This was done, as in olden days
Monks were forbidden to associate
Either to teach or work with females,
Cunningly, this obstacle she overcame.
Many a man, for her hand, craved and raved
She consented to marriage, when twenty-two of age
And wedded a Chieftain, Gardiarachchi by name
Who died a few years later, destiny she had to face?
There are romantic tales of her escapades
Her friendship with D’Oyly, Elapatha for solace
One should understand her bereaved state,
Struck with poverty, she had been desperate
She died in 1814, December on 15th day
Leaving her literary works with her illustrious name
As descendants of Gardiarachchi, we profusely say
To our ancestor Gajaman Nona, a tribute this day
In the heavens above, she has found a place
Singing to Devas, in a melodious way
Enticing and keeping them happy and gay
As done on this earth, a game, she well played.
G.A.D.Sirimal
No comments:
Post a Comment