Non-flying Poem by Anitha Thampi

On the bough
The bird came to rest
Green leaves caressed by the breeze
Moving
Flowers
Bursting out of leaves
Suddenly
Amidst the flowers
The bird lolled,
flower-like.


Children, flower-pickers
Tilt the bough down
Shade-seekers
Put out fingers
Nip the leaves
The bird gathered its wings,
Stayed still.

Evening,
Sunlight gathered all day
Lay cooled on the leaves
Tabby Karambi and her brood
Are out on the hunt
The bird drew back,
unafraid.

And as the hour went by
In the sky
Rose the crescent
Like an eyelash restful
Along came a star
Adding twinkle- bright.

As if to drink in the sight
A whole long life,
The bird ventured
To the very tip.

Upon a humble bough!

Translated By J.Devika