1312. Memory outlives presence

முகில்நிழலாய் வந்து மறைந்தார் நினைவோமுகிலின்றிப் பெய்யும் மழை

mukilnizhalaai vandu maraindaar ninaivomukilindrip peyyum mazhai

They came like the shadow of a cloud and passed; is their memory not rain that falls without a cloud?

The Tamil verb for ‘passed’ is also the gentle word for ‘passed away’: the one remembered may have left, or died.

1313. Learning from those before

முன்னோர் இடறிய கல்லைக் கடப்பதேபின்னோர் நினைவின் பயன்

munnor idariya kallaik kadappadhepinnor ninaivin payan

Those who come after step across the stone their forebears stumbled on: that is the use of remembering.