Kalamekam (also known as Kalameka Pulavar; fifteenth century) is widely known for his tanippatals or ‘self-contained verses’, on a panoply of topics. These splendid but notoriously provocative verses were composed during a transitional phase of Tamil literature, by now in deep conversation with Sanskrit poetics and poetic language, thereby yielding an incredibly rich and innovative poetry. Kalamekam sings of courtesans, fellow humans, of gods, of animals, praises them, derides them, and insults them, using sarcasm, dry wit, and criticism, combined with slesas and yamakas, samasyas and nindasstutis. The Monsoon Cloud seeks to introduce this brilliant poet and his timeless and influential poetry, while analysing his humour, worldview, personal values, and devotion.