Madagascar harbors a poetic form of expression rich in mystery and resonance! The hain-teny, which are not merely prose poems, unveil profound truths beneath seemingly simple metaphors. Through their words, concealed emotions, love stories, or sorrows are conveyed in a manner that only the initiated can truly understand.
Hain-teny are much more than a verbal art; they reflect the deepest, most hidden emotions, often veiled beneath subtle dialogues. Consider, for example, the poignant poem by Rado, written in January 1966, titled “Ne lui dites rien” (“Don’t Tell Her Anything“). This text is a poignant testament to pain and resignation. Rado depicts the silent anguish of a shattered heart, where words serve both as a mask and a means of release. Each verse interweaves, creating an intricate dance of emotions, culminating in a stark and revealing end, showcasing the author’s inner fortitude.
These poems, expertly crafted by their author, immerse you in profound introspection with their richness. Unfortunately, few professionals still master these hidden gems of Malagasy culture. Grasping their nuances and the impact they have on their reciters is a rare privilege. Do you feel the allure of this ancient poetry and wish to delve deeper? Hain-teny will transport you to a realm where every word is meticulously chosen, and every silence is imbued with significance.
Here is another hain-teny, published by Orientales de France, Paris, in 1975, translated from Malagasy in French by Flavien Ranaivo, titled “For Sorrow Cannot Be Hidden“:
Who is that man you are following?
I do not know: I could not reach him.
Who is that man behind you?
I cannot answer; he could not catch up with me.
Why are you standing?
I am not standing: I just got up.
Why are you sighing?
I am not sighing; I am breathing a bit heavily.
Why this absent look?
I am not absent, but in meditation.
Why are you shedding tears?
I am not crying; a grain of dust got into my eye.
Why are you so downcast?
I am not downcast, but a bit lost.
Why are you so sad?
I did not wish it: I have just lost my son.
