Meandering Indian Rhymes

Panai maramE panai maramE
En valarndAi panai maramE

nAn valarnda-a-a-a kAraNattai
nallavarE cholluginrEn

padukka nalla pAyAvEn
vasikka nalla veedAvEn
vetta nalla viragAvEn
veedu katta maramAvEn

The reason for my growth,
Let me tell you, my good man!

I make a good mat for you to lie on
I make a good house for you to live in
You may cut me for all your firewood
Or use it to build your abode.