Blooms In Bamboo Plate Poem by Ramesh Iyengar

Blooms in bamboo plate

Jasmine, lily, chrysanthemum,
Roses, green myrrh…
Flowers of every hue in her bamboo plate.
Fresh, wet, white jasmine spreads scent,
soon bought and tucked in women's hair.
Sweet scent floats in temples.
Gods and goddesses adorned,
garlanded and worshipped by devotees.
Soon, the bamboo plate empties,
only loose petals left.
When lights fade, the too old grandma leaves temple entrance,
tired, hungry, faded.
When God inside looks, pities,
His face tired, faded, anxious to receive her next afternoon.
- - Ramesh Iyengar
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