A Flower To Auroville Mother 27 Poem by Indira Renganathan

Kozhi Kondai, Kozhi poo(Cockscomb crested, Celosia cristata)

Kozhi poo (Plumed Cockscomb, Celosia cristata 'Century')

Pannai keerai (Silver Cockscomb, Celosia argentea)


Sisters here aren't similar in semblance
Aren't in shades, shapes albeit beautiful
Crested, plumed, silvery but in loamy sameness
They're parading in garland-like circle
Shaking their strong veined leafy hands

Proud are- one with her clusters of crested style
In red, yellow, orange, gold and pink colours
Generously adored for making garlands for her smile
Bright with tightly packed flowerheads
Majestic and erect like a rooster to resemble

Next with a plumed do of feathery looseness
Colourful in differently coloured style
Silky in yellow, orange, pink, red all hues
Risen above the foliage on the stalks tall
Majestic messengers for us with best wishes

Third on upright base with a silver-smile
With friendly strong and long leaves
A package of numerous flowers as one single
Risen above the foliage with best wishes
Majestic messengers heavenly wonderful

Celosia sisters on march feting us colourful
Dulcet breeze, ever the voice over of their carnival