The Longing of the Lovers to Meet
The work explores the deep emotional landscape of love and longing between two lovers separated by circumstances. The female voice expresses her despair and physical decline due to the absence of her beloved, counting the days until his return. Her beauty fades, and she feels a profound emptiness, yet she clings to hope, believing that his return will restore her vitality and joy. She oscillates between anticipation and anxiety, contemplating how she will react upon his return—whether to sulk, embrace him, or experience a mix of both emotions. The male voice reflects on his duty to engage in battle, expressing a desire for victory so he can return to his beloved. He acknowledges the pain of separation, noting that time stretches painfully when one is waiting for a loved one. He worries about the emotional toll that the wait may take on her, emphasizing that their reunion will be meaningless if her heart is broken in the interim. The dialogue captures the essence of longing, the interplay of hope and despair, and the emotional stakes involved in love. The lovers' thoughts reveal their deep connection, illustrating how absence can intensify feelings of love and the desire for reunion. The work ultimately highlights the bittersweet nature of love, where joy and sorrow coexist, and the profound impact of separation on the human heart.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 279 words
First lines
She
My eyes have lost their lustre and grown dull, and my fingers have worn away for counting of the days that I have noted on the wall.67
What if I forget today, my maid? My beauty hath already left me and my bracelet hath slipped off my arm.
He parted from me longing for conquests: and if I live yet, it is for the longing of his return.
What this Textopian page supports
The Longing of the Lovers to Meet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2000 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thiruvalluvar
- Date: 2000 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Longing of the Lovers to Meet by Thiruvalluvar
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Longing of the Lovers to Meet?
- How does this short story by Thiruvalluvar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Bewailing The Pallor Of Pining Love by Thiruvalluvar
- The Impatience Of The Pair To Fly To Each Others Arms by Thiruvalluvar
- In Praise Of Her Beauty by Thiruvalluvar
- The Wasting Away Of Her Lovely Form by Thiruvalluvar
- Westminster Abbey by Matthew Arnold
- Early Death And Fame by Matthew Arnold
Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the longing and emotional connection between lovers, highlighting their desire to reunite.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing lyrical language and imagery to express deep emotions.
- Drama — The dialogue format and emotional tension between the characters create a dramatic narrative.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of love, longing, and the nature of relationships, prompting reflection on human emotions.
Tags
Epic Poetry · Tamil Literature · Classical Work · Love Poem · Philosophical Themes · Ancient Indian Texts · Cultural Significance · Literary Masterpiece · Poetic Devices · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery