744. Hoping to be heard

கிணற்றில் எறிந்தகல் கேட்குமென்றேன் கேளாமணற்றரை ஆனது நெஞ்சு

kinatril erindakal kedkumendren kelaamanatrarai aanadhu nenju

I said that even a stone thrown into a well would hear itself answered; the heart has become sandy ground that does not hear.

A stone dropped into a well sounds back; sand takes it without a sound. Whose heart has turned to sand, the Tamil leaves open.

745. What went unsaid

பேசினாள் நூறுசொல் பேசாத ஒன்றினைச்சூழ்ந்ததே கேட்போர் செவி

pesinaal noorusol pesaadha ondrinaissoozhndadhe kedpor sevi

She said a hundred words, and the ears of those who listened circled the one thing she left unsaid.

746. Humble ears know hearts

பள்ளம் அறியும் புனலின் பணிசெவிஉள்ளம் அறியும் மொழி

pallam ariyum punalin paniseviullam ariyum mozhi

As water knows the low ground, the bowed ear knows the heart’s word.

A bowed ear is one inclined toward the speaker, humble and attentive.