Lingan is no Lincoln

As Lingan got off the bicycle, and swung the heavy school bag on to his shoulder, Ponnalagu the gardener came up. “ஏண்டா உனக்கு வேற வேல இல்ல ? அது ஒரு மருந்து செடி. அதபோயி கொண்ணுட்ட?” 1

Lingan was speechless and tried to walk away. “அட நான் பாட்டுக்கு பேசிகிட்டு இருக்கேன் நீ போயிகிட்டே இருக்க?” 2

Just then Lingan’s father came out of the room. “என்னடா அவன போயி கேக்கற ? அவன் இப்பத்தான் school லேந்து வறான்.” 3

Lingan took the chance to slip away, casting an indignant look at Ponnalagu.

Until this day Lingan is ashamed that he never gathered the guts to own up to his father. That he did cut the plant down.

1 Enda, unakku vere vela illa ? Athu oru marunthu chedi. Atha poi konnutta? (Don’t you have anything better to do ? That is a medicinal plant, and yet you killed it?)

2 Ada nan pattukku pesikittu irukken, nee poikitteh irukke? (I am talking to you, and you are just walking away?)

3 Ennada avana poi kekkara ? Avan ippathan school lenthu varan. (Why are you asking him ? He is just coming back from school.)