Lone Drumstick Tree Poem by Padmanabhan Ananth

In a small vacant rectangular plot
In our large gated residential layout
I saw this tree stately and majestic
Laden with yield of slender drumstick

The tree had only few green leaves
And some tiny yellowish-white flowers
But rest of the tree was grandiloquent
Scores of drumsticks dangling down

This simple stick-like green veggie
For many moments it fascinated me
The evergreen tree that's deciduous
Is commonly found all over the tropics

Its botanical name 'moringa oleifera'
In South India it is called 'murunga'
From its slender immature seed pods
Are made varieties of spicy, tasty foods

Its sweetish pulp complement spices
Its pulp, like marrow, need to be sucked
And soft seeds crackle from pods winged
Sambar, avail, kootu, many other dishes

Object of bawdy banter in local movies
For its claimed aphrodisiac properties!
But packed with many nutrients, vitamins
This hardy crop has dietary fibre, proteins

I was amazed at how this humble food
For human benefit by nature's so packed
With goodness together with great taste
If not yet tried out, you must show haste!