175. Known through use

அரிவாள் அறியாது தன்கூர்மை அஃதால்அறுப்பாள் அறிவாள் அளவு

arivaal ariyaadhu thankoormai adhaalaruppaal arivaal alavu

The sickle does not know its own sharpness; the woman who cuts with it knows its measure.

176. Running from ourselves

எத்திசையும் சென்றாள் இருள்குறையும் என்றெண்ணிஅத்திசையும் கொண்டாள் நிழல்

ethisaiyum sendraal irulkuraiyum endrenniathisaiyum kondaal nizhal

She went in every direction, thinking the darkness would lessen; whichever way she went, she brought her shadow along.

177. Knowing work, missing ourselves

குயவன் குடத்தின் வடிவறிவான் தன்கைவளைவறிந் தானோ வகுத்து

kuyavan kudathin vadivarivaan thankaivalaivarin thaano vakuthu

The potter knows the shape of his pot; did he know the curve of his own hand as it shaped it?