Sakthi Jothi
trans. by Thila Varghese
Snakes and Ladders
Often times,
the steps of the ladder
take you
higher and higher,
and sometimes,
the snake’s tail
points to
the depth
of the underworld.
While she remains alone,
Unwilling
to either climb up
or sink into darkness,
a word
tells her to fly instead
and gives her wings.
Sakthi Jothi, a social worker by occupation, is the author of thirteen books of poetry in Tamil and two collections of essays and a recipient of numerous awards. Sakthi Jothi is also the founder of Sri Sakthi Social, Economic and Educational Welfare Trust, an organization in Ayyampalayam, Tamil Nadu, India, that focuses on promoting the welfare of youth and women through sustainable socioeconomic development.
Thila Varghese lives in Canada, where she works part-time as a senior writing advisor at Western University during the academic year. Her translations of Tamil literary works into English have been published in international journals and magazines. Her translation of Khaled Hosseini’s Sea Prayer into Tamil was published in India in 2023.