The poem addressed by a tree to its flowers

It appears upon inspection

that a few more flowers

are due to blossem

therefore

if there are any flowers

that would voluntary wilt

raise hands just once 

before the wind arrives

[translation of "ගසක් තම මල් අමතා කී කවිය" from the collection "මීළඟ මීවිත" (The next wine) by Ruwan Bandujeewa] 

From the Peacock Caste

Seeing the unforgiving drought

racing and roaring in

spouting dust from mouth and nostril

breaking door and window of nest

gathering whatever hands can lay on

migratory birds do flee to the faraways

However dry the zone may be

they remain on branches dead and dying 

and none, not one of the peacock caste

to lush places fly

If there are kids without toys

at play in a garden nevertheless

swoop down instantly they will

and drop a feather or two

as per the custom of the tribe. 

[translation of "මොනර කුලයෙන්" from the collection "මීළඟ මීවිත" (The next wine) by Ruwan Bandujeewa] 

Even the Menik Ganga peed*

Two hundred breasts

when by two divided, one hundred women

the feast was splendid indeed

even the Menik Ganga** fell incontinent upon its shores

Having removed a hundred jewelled girdles, brasiers, pearl necklaces and earrings 

The mango was cut, slice by slice, even as the Goddess Pattini residence held

Even Manamperi*** peeked out hearing the whistles and joyous cheers

Submerged was the Vedahiti Kanda with the yolk of peacock eggs

Two hundred smoldering eyes

when by two divided, one hundred women

the feast was splendid indeed

even the Menik Ganga** fell incontinent upon its shores

[translation of "මැණික් ගඟටත් ඉවුරේ චූ යයි" from the collection "මීළඟ මීවිත" (The next wine) by Ruwan Bandujeewa]

*A politician threw a party to celebrate sexually abusing a hundred women — news item

** Literally, ‘River of Jewels’ which, for many Sri Lankans is the holiest river in the island, and which falls into the sea in the Southern Province, the ‘territory’ of the said politician

***Reference to Premawathi Manamperi, beauty queen of Kataragama, abducted, raped and killed by those tasked to put down an insurrection