A Poet For Tv

[Thomas_Merton]

It is very rare that threads on TV move into the subject of literature, although there have been exceptions.

TV member Bina in another thread in another area happened to mention the Thai poet Sunthorn Pu. I had never heard of the man, so I did a little research.

IMHO this man was a genius. If there is one poet who could be elected as TV’s “poet laureate”, then it must be Sunthorn.

I think this poem I quote here, captures the mood and attitude of many of TV’s members as expressed in their postings:

We may be drunk,

But we are also honey-drunk with love.

I cannot resist my heart.

And though we are drunk,

Tomorrow the sun will shine,

And that drunkenness will have passed.

But when night falls, love's honeyed drunkenness will return.

Can anyone else find a better poet for TV to adopt as our own?

[ProfessorFart]

Me!

There was a young fellow named perkin

Who was always jerkin his gherkin

His father said perkin

Stop jerkin your gherkin

Your gherkins fer ferkin not jerkin

[OldAsiaHand]

Me!

There was a young fellow named perkin

Who was always jerkin his gherkin

His father said perkin

Stop jerkin your gherkin

Your gherkins fer ferkin not jerkin

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Speaking of jerks....

Some guy offers an interesting post worth a little thought and this is the kind of comment he gets in return. Lord help us.

[Gazza]

Roses are red, violets are blue

Please spare a penny, for a starving poet.

[meadish_sweetball]

It is very rare that threads on TV move into the subject of literature, although there have been exceptions.

TV member Bina in another thread in another area happened to mention the Thai poet Sunthorn Pu. I had never heard of the man, so I did a little research.

IMHO this man was a genius. If there is one poet who could be elected as TV’s “poet laureate”, then it must be Sunthorn.

I think this poem I quote here, captures the mood and attitude of many of TV’s members as expressed in their postings:

We may be drunk,

But we are also honey-drunk with love.

I cannot resist my heart.

And though we are drunk,

Tomorrow the sun will shine,

And that drunkenness will have passed.

But when night falls, love's honeyed drunkenness will return.

Can anyone else find a better poet for TV to adopt as our own?

Sunthorn was a poetic genius, no doubt about that. His life was interesting, too.

Translated poetry is always a bit dodgy - it often says more about the translator's writing abilities than the original author. This feels like reading Shakespeare in Swedish - it somehow doesn't quite cut it.

[Thomas_Merton]

Me!

There was a young fellow named perkin

Who was always jerkin his gherkin

His father said perkin

Stop jerkin your gherkin

Your gherkins fer ferkin not jerkin

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Profound erudition from someone who frequently demonstrates his developing maturity in the uninhibited manner in which he regularly accuses others of being trolls.

[ProfessorFart]

Humour bypasses anyone?

[Thomas_Merton]

Humour bypasses anyone?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

…and if wit was sh*t, you would only, Professor, fart.

[Jai Dee]

Humour bypasses anyone?

…and if wit was sh*t, you would only, Professor, fart.

Classic comeback!

However, Farty is only taking the piss!!!

He does that a lot...

[ProfessorFart]

Translated poetry is always a bit dodgy - it often says more about the translator's writing abilities than the original author. This feels like reading Shakespeare in Swedish - it somehow doesn't quite cut it.

Indeed. Despite some valiant efforts, Sunthorn Phu just doesn't work in translation.

Better to wade through it in Thai or try this one;

Llewellyn from Wrexham, a Druid,

Had sex with old Bronwen of Clwyd

But Bronwen had pox

And her over-used box

Was awash with old seminal fluid.

Edited April 28, 2005 by ProfessorFart

[alex100]

After an anti grafiti crackdown at work !!!

Alice the cleaner has scrubbed in vain,

the sh*thouse poet has struck again.

[Thomas_Merton]

After an anti grafiti crackdown at work !!!

Alice the cleaner has scrubbed in vain,

the sh*thouse poet has struck again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did she miss this one?

Here he sits broken hearted,

Prof. paid a penny and only farted.

[bino]

Sunthorn Pu was indeed a genius. His most famous work is a much loved classic Thai children's story about a flute player, a mermaid and a sea monster.

Phu spent many years in exile from the Royal Court in the area of Rayong, mostly on Ko Samet. On Sai Kaew Beach there are statues of the mermaid and the sea monster at one end of the beach (One TV Member has a picture of himself standing between them as his avatar) and a picture of the flute player at the other end of the beach. Anyone who has been to Sai Kaew Beach is certain to have seen them.

The same effigies were under construction at the Big Buddha in Ko Samui last time I visited there.

There is a nice Sunthorn Pu Memorial Park in Ban Kram, Rayong Province which is worth a short visit if you are ever in the area.

[The_Eye_Of_Sauron]

Indeed. Despite some valiant efforts, Sunthorn Phu just doesn't work in translation.

Better to wade through it in Thai or try this one;

This is our cue to express admiration for his ability and interest in reading poetry in its original Thai.

[meom]

Here's another one:

Here's to the bee-the busy soul;

He has no time for birth control.

That's why it is, in times like these,

We have so many sons of bees!

[Thomas_Merton]

How many of us are attracted to Thailand because Thai culture is greatly influenced by such works as this:

How to be a good Thai Wife (Supasit Sorn Ying) written by Sunthorn Phu. This translation was written by Denis Segaller in his excellent "More Thai Ways" book

"If your husband loves you, don't be stubborn; honour him every day; do not

be wilful. When it gets dark, you should not stray away but light the lamp, go

and see to the bedroom, make and clean the bed, sweep away dust. And every night

when he retires to bed crouch at his feet and pay him homage. Never forget! If

he is stiff with aches and cramps, ease them with soothing massage. When you go

to sleep, be decorous; don't let your hands and feet stray over him while you

are asleep. If you sleep thus your goodness will shine forth.

"Don't go on sleeping till sun is high; you should get up before your

husband, and prepare water for him to wash his face. Then do the cooking and

prepare the tray of dishes to give a beautiful effect, along with the spittoon,

polished and shining. Make sure no dust is in the drinking water.

"And if you know he has to go somewhere but find that he has not yet woken

up, then gently get him up without delay to eat his food. Sit near him while he

eats, in case anything lacks; don't give him cause to shout for it. Pay careful

heed until he's finished eating. Then you yourself may eat. Don't eat before he

does; it is not seemly, and he won't like it.

"If your husband is in the Royal service and must go in and out the Royal

Palace, then you must prepare his carrying-case with betel and tobacco. Always

try to wait on him, serve him, as a friend would do. If you thus serve your

husband without fail, then you will prosper and rise in others' esteem. A

true-born lady always shows her nature; don't throw your good behaviour to the

winds. It is not good to be half-man, half-woman, and no one will admire you for

that.

"And if your husband should rise up in anger, you should abase yourself to

quench his wrath. Do not allow yourself to raise your voice and answer back. If

he is fire, you should be as water sprinkled on him. If both of you are aflame,

the fire will spread - anger which then can never be suppressed. Your private

conjugal feelings will escape, to become known to all the world outside. What

neighbours didn't know, thay now will know. So therefore, don't indulge in your

own wrath.

"Be pleasing to your husband; he will love you dearly. Never fail to do the

household chores. And if he should fall ill, do not disturb him but smile,

console, be pleasing as before; talk to him only when he's well again; tend to

his needs and pander to his mood. Whatever he doesn't like, you shouldn't do.

Guard your own counsel, don't show your feelings outside.

"All the bad things forbidden by your husband you should avoid; your manners

should be thus. Do not be stubborn and neglectful; speak only with

sweetness.

"But if you have a quarrel with your husband, don't spread tales of the

quarrel behind his back. Always suppress your own emotion and keep it to

yourself; don't let the quarrel linger on; banish its shadow. Then you will be

called one who uses her brains and knows how to conceal all evil things

.

"Do this, and those who know you will admire you and think you clever. And

your husband will be pleased."

[bannork]

It is very rare that threads on TV move into the subject of literature, although there have been exceptions.

TV member Bina in another thread in another area happened to mention the Thai poet Sunthorn Pu. I had never heard of the man, so I did a little research.

IMHO this man was a genius. If there is one poet who could be elected as TV’s “poet laureate”, then it must be Sunthorn.

I think this poem I quote here, captures the mood and attitude of many of TV’s members as expressed in their postings:

We may be drunk,

But we are also honey-drunk with love.

I cannot resist my heart.

And though we are drunk,

Tomorrow the sun will shine,

And that drunkenness will have passed.

But when night falls, love's honeyed drunkenness will return.

Can anyone else find a better poet for TV to adopt as our own?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here is Sunthorn Pu:

ไม่เมาเหล้าเเล้วเเต่เรายังเมารัก สุดจะหักห้ามจิตคิดไฉน

ถึงเมาเหล้าเช้าสายก้หายไป เเต่เมาใจนี้ประจำทุกค่ำคืน

mai mao lao laeow\ dtae rao yang mao rak sud ja hak haam jit khit chanai

teung mao lao chao sai gor hai pai dtae mao jai nee bprajam tuk kham kheun

That's the romantic one, but how about this one for when things are bitter:

เเล้วสอนว่าอย่าไว้ใจมนุษย์ มันเเสนสุดลึกล้ำเหลือกำหนด

ถึงเถาวัลย์พันเกี่ยวที่เลี้ยวลด ก็ไม่คดเหมือนหนึ่งในน้ำใจคน

laeow son wa ya why jai manut man sairn sud leuk lam leua gamnot

teung taowan pan keow tee leow lod gor mai khod meuan neung nai jai khon

Don't trust people, their hearts are deep and fathomless,

The twisting,turning vine cannot compare to the deviousness of the heart of man.

The moderators should start a section for aspiring poets in the joke section, the mods could select a topic every week or two and then the winner could receive a Tshirt with his\her poem printed and TV's logo splashed across their chest. For instance this week's topic could be Songkran, May's could be rain or the upcoming toilet convention in Bangkok, whatever, there's always plenty of subjects in 'Amazing Thailand'.

bannork

[The Gentleman Scamp]

'This Danish dame she likes the same comedians as me

We love each ohers company and more to some degree

My given name is Scampy and her name is Dear Marie

But when the phone inside her ribcage rings it's not for me.'

[The_Eye_Of_Sauron]

Merton

Can we have that wife's poem in Thai please. I have to show it to someone.

[Thomas_Merton]

'This Danish dame she likes the same comedians as me

We love each ohers company and more to some degree

My given name is Scampy and her name is Dear Marie

But when the phone inside her ribcage rings it's not for me.'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sacampy’s Scandinavian succubus

Certainly stimulates his syllabus.

But Thomas says beware

These Danes sometimes don’t care

Causing pain akin to thrombus.

[alex100]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

------------------------------------------

Edited April 29, 2005 by alex100

[bannork]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

----------------------------------------

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For on her remit list, I'm number seven.

[Thomas_Merton]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

------------------------------------------

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With only the girl from the 7 11

[alex100]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

------------------------------------------

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With only the girl from the 7 11

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How the ###### did you know that - I only went to buy a mouldy sandwich.

[bannork]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

------------------------------------------

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Orbiting star Costner, first name Kevin.

[buadhai]

How many of us are attracted to Thailand because Thai culture is greatly influenced by such works as this:

How to be a good Thai Wife (Supasit Sorn Ying) written by Sunthorn Phu. This translation was written by Denis Segaller in his excellent "More Thai Ways" book

"If your husband loves you, don't be stubborn; honour him every day; do not

be wilful. When it gets dark, you should not stray away<snip>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't know about the rest of you, but this didn't go down too well in my household:

"What do you think it is, 2000 years ago?

"We're not slaves, you know...."

Edited April 29, 2005 by mgnewman

[taxexile]

Those limericks are callous and crude,

their morals are distressingly lewd,

they are not worth the reading ,

by persons of breeding;

they're designed for those vulgar and rude! ..

[taxexile]

.....dishes to give a beautiful effect, along with the spittoon,

polished and shining. Make sure no dust is in the drinking water........

anybody know the thai for

"spitoon , polished and shining"

[The Gentleman Scamp]

I have just made this up can someone complete the last line:

I came to Thailand to get dead rich,

All I got was a grabbing bitch,

Now I'm at home in she's in heaven,

------------------------------------------

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With only the girl from the 7 11

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Thomas_Merton]

Sunthorn Phu also wrote advice for gentlemen, which has had an important influence on Thai culture.

Most of this translation has come from a book called "Essay on Thai Folklore"

by Phya Anuman Rajadhon.

How to be a Thai Gentleman by Sunthorn Phu

"Early in the morning, after getting out of bed, you must refrain from anger

and touchiness. Turning your face towards the East and South, you must pronounce

three times an incantation according to the Buddhist formula over the water for

washing your face. After washing your face with the water, the first word or

sentence to be uttered ought to be nice and good. It will increase and enhance

your noble dignity. For splendour which upholds a man's chacrateristic

properties resides in your face in the morning. During the day, the splendour

resides in your body. You must take a bath and sprinkle your body with scented

water. By observing this, you will be healthy and happy. During the evening, the

splendour resides at both feet. You must wash your feet. No woman's foot is

allowed to be placed over yours.

"When eating food, if you are facing East you will have power and long life.

If facing South, you will be beloved by everyone. If facing West you will be

happy and healthy, your sufferings, if any, will be decreased, you will have

honour and dignity. If facing North, you will meet with ill-luck; your life span

will be shortened year by year.

"While sitting, you must not look downward nor spit. Such an act will spoil

your dignity. Facing the North on such occasion is good and keeps you immune

from evil spirits and the dark arts. Then wash your face. It will become bright

and clear. Before going out, first take a bath and sprinkle your face and body

with scented water. Victory will be with you.

"You must not allow your wife to sleep upon your arm (as a pillow for her

head), and always wash yourself after sleeping. Fortune will smile, driving away

mishaps. Washing your nails on Monday and Wednesday prevents all accursed things

coming into contact.

"When going to war, the garments to be donned each day during the seven days

of the week are to be of seven colours;

Sunday, Red is auspicious

Monday, Light yellow is to have a long life

Tuesday, Purple is lucky

Wednesday, Yellow-red or glittering multi-coloured

Thursday, Yellow-green

Friday, Blueish-gray

Saturday, Black is a terror to the enemy.

"The colour of war steeds ought to be also identical with that of the

day.

"In taking a bath at a riverside or stream, you should face the direction of

the running water. The voiding of nature is prohibited. Do not face against the

running water for you may accidentally be the victim of the black arts. After a

bath, always pay respect to Ganga, the Water Goddess.

"The knowledge of magical arts is good, and incantations ought always to be

recited every evening. They will become potent and effective against enemies and

increase your dignity and power. When a dog continues to bark and howl, do not

say harsh words against it. For such a speech will spoil your word. Do not spit

while there is a wind. If the saliva falls on any animal, then the mantra or

mystic spell will become impotent.

"When meeting a monk and paying no customary respect due to him, your dignity

will be weakened. Do not abuse the sun, wind or rain. Do not hasten the day to

come to an end. Pay respect every daybreak and dusk to the sun and the moon.

When getting into bed do not fail to make obeisance on the pillow (with one's

hands in salutation) to one's parents and preceptors, extolling their graces and

virtues.

"If, when wearing a phanung or loin-cloth after twisting its two ends

together in front, one end is tucked finally on the right side, you will be free

from harm of the teeth and claws of crocodiles and other ferocious animals. Do

not pass under a bridge across a creek or canal, a trellis supporting climbing

plants, a wooden prop of a house, or a fence of animal enclosure. Whoever passes

under such things will lose his splendour and dignity and his mantra and magical

incantations will become impotent, defeating their own ends.

"When seeing a corpse while going out, do not make a remark. It is very

unlucky to do so. You must wash your face as a counter act. Do not sleep with

your charms and amulets. They will be impaired of their magical properties. Do

not step over weapons. Do not lie on the left side of a woman, for harm will

come to you. On New Year's Day, Sat Day (Mid-Year Feast), a day when there is an

eclipse either of the sun or the moon, the lenten full moon day, and your own

birthday, sexual intercourse is prohibited. For your age will be shortened. To

sleep with a woman during her menstruation, if you do not die, you will lose

your eyesight and have a boil full of pus. On your birthday, do not kill any

animal. Your life will be shortened and you will lose your glory and dignity.

You will also suffer from sickness and pain.

"While sleeping, if your inspiration and expiration flow easily in and out of

both nostrils, do not put your left foot over the right one. If the air flows

freely in the right nostril only, the right foot must be placed on the left one.

It is very auspicious to observe the rule. While walking, sleeping or sitting,

if a crashing or creaking sound is heard, it is prohibited to make a remark. The

noise may be produced by magical art or evil spirits which can harm one if one

makes a remark."

Although much of this is not so relevant today, the older generation still believe in its value.