First Flush

The heady scent

Wafts in...

Freshly fallen from the trees

Gathered one by one

By moist hands.

Curls still wet

Hide her face.

She seeks the 

Three tender tendrils,

Holy grass hiding in the weeds.

Basket full of 'Shiuli'

All white with red.

Early morning grace. 

Rubbing my eyes

I see her return.

The glow of dawn

Now on her cheeks.

Waking to the Shiuli,

Breathing in its wealth..

Hands folded in prayers, 

It lies now at His feet.

The curls dance delightedly,

A heavenly scent fills the room.

The serenity on her face.

The dewy splendour 

Resplendent with 

Her reverence.

☆☆☆

'Shiuli' is also known as Parijat or Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, the night-flowering jasmine, native to South Asia and Southeast Asia.