‘ A Leafy Parrot ' Poem by Ramesh Iyengar

‘ A Leafy Parrot '

Seated at the Andal temple's portal,
Krishnan winds leaves and strings,
buds, blooms, petals, pods,
green betels, tips and twigs,
of gentle mango trees,
of every flora in God's benign garden.
With needles and strings, tied ,
the inherited craft concludes as
parrot perched on tree.
This gentle, green bird
adorns the deity's hand.
To be decked all the day.
Never chirps. Nor flies.
Never blinks. Never flutters its wings.
Receiving Godly grace now and then,
Sings ditties unto poetess' ears.
A fresh benevolence for every devotee.
A hand-woven wonder on Lord's arm.
-S. Ramesh