Kochi - The Hues of Spring

**Kochi - The Hues of Spring*

March draws close her days, heralding spring.
In God's very city, as the _Kannikonna_ * trees,
glitter in their bright yellow attire, enjoying the heat.
Hear blessings drop— their soft golden petals.
Listen to the wind whispering.
The _Chuttiyatta's*_ bird song begins before dawn,
almost a lullaby outside my window.
What do the meandering rays of the sun prophecy?
The banana leaves edged with lemony green,
laden with luscious food— did they remark too,
about the arrival of this season?
I sense them, sweltering and glistening too,
ready to enjoy the renewal,
in this period of mellow fruitfulness.
Look, the sky is an infinite deep azure,
brushing puffy cottony clouds of white,
while beneath, the earth throws over herself
a Veridian shawl, sending out shoots of life.
Amber buttercups call excitedly from the street across
bursting open with a fiery promise,
While the pale blue hydrangeas dance in gentle waves,
as if asking for what’s next, and hey, yes,
there is a promise ahead, the city awaits it!

1. The Kannikonna tree, also known as the Cassia fistula or Golden Shower tree, is native to the Indian subcontinent.  The golden-yellow flowers of the Kannikonna tree are often celebrated for their beauty and are linked with festivals like Vishu, especially in Kerala.
2. The Chuttiyatta - The scaly-breasted munia or spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata), is a bird known as nutmeg mannikin or spice finch, native to tropical Asia and known for its enchanting bird song.
This poem won the most votes at the World Poetry Day Event
Written by LEENA ELIZABETH ABRAHAM 🙏🏼