Colours of love

~ paeansunplugged
Flame-of-the-forest or butea monosperma also moduga or tesu

When spring springs a surprise
and disappears before one can
say hello to the soft begonia sky
sprinkled with cotton candy clouds

no dewy dawns or dreamy dusks
flame-of-the-forest blazes across
heralding the festival of colours/love
earth carpeted with fiery blooms

but this time reminiscent of
a faraway bloodied land under the pall
of gloomy granite-grey skies
with determined eyes devoid of tears

as I smear blue and yellow on beloved faces
the bitter aftertaste of sweets lingers
a reminder of truths we dare not face
my heart prays for the elusive peace.

In India we celebrate Holi today.

Written for dVerse OLN.

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94 thoughts on “Colours of love”

      3. I’m sorry you don’t feel bad. In our religion, everyone has to decide what to sacrifice in these forty days fast and while I’m mourning for my mother, I try to stay away from these happy moments because it’s been less than a year since my mother died.🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  16. This poem displays your gift for writing exquisite beauty…shot through with threads of heartbreak, tragedy. I love when you share about holidays, or anything related to your culture, Punam–for a moment I felt I was there, celebrating Holi with you ❤

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      1. However we can be together, I’ll take it–it just feels Good! So wishing you could visit me in person ❤

        Liked by 3 people

  19. Beautiful…this poem really touched me, the brief flare of spring, the faraway land, the blue and yellow smeared across the face, Holi….I didn’t know words on a page could bring tears to my eyes…have a very nice Holi

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  24. Punam, as the world spins, the darkness comes and goes. I like how you describe the blossom across the sky and how one can still celebrate with love and caring even when darkness makes its presence known. Lovely poem and Happy Holi!

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    1. No, I don’t think so, Li. The word Holi has two origins. One is from sanskrit word ‘Hola’ which means roasting in fire fresh green grams, which is done to thank for the good harvest. Holi word is taken from Holika who was the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. I am leaving a link here for you to read more about it. You can read the link of Holi on my blog and then read this. I have a feeling you will find it interesting. 🙂
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holika

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      3. p.s. Punam I just read quite a ways down the wiki info. My favorite part:
        “Vishnu, the god who appears as an avatar to restore Dharma in Hindu beliefs, took the form of Narasimha – half human and half lion (which is neither a human nor an animal), at dusk (when it was neither day nor night), took Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep (which was neither indoors nor outdoors), placed him on his lap (which was neither land, water nor air), and then eviscerated and killed the king with his lion claws (which were neither a handheld weapon nor a launched weapon).” Sometimes you have to get creative to vanquish darkness, but light always prevails. What a wonderful holiday to celebrate.

        Liked by 2 people

      4. I am glad you enjoyed that part.
        Li, if you can read about the ten avatars of Vishnu, do read it. I am sure you will enjoy it immensely. All our festivals are rooted in mythology as well as connected to the seasonal changes, propitiating nature and gods for remaining favourable.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Pingback: Colours of love – Kasilo-God's plan

      1. You’re welcome my dear! ❤️ 🥰 I’m glad you are doing well! 💗 I’m also doing well. 🤗💖 Though, have you recently heard from Kate? I sent her an email last week and she still hasn’t responded. Last time we talked a few weeks ago, she was in the chaos of dealing with the flooding in Australia.

        Liked by 2 people

  30. a very belated Happy Holi Day sis … sounds like the whole family celebrated in a meaningful manner 🙂 Doing more intense daily prayers for peace and comfort with thousands homeless around here … can’t imagine adding bombing to that!

    Liked by 3 people

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