Rain Trees [gulmohars/ Flame Of The Forest] Poem by Angelina Pandian

The Rain Trees are in full bloom
On either side of the road forming a canopy
Bright flames of passion bursting forth
In colours bright and deep orange to red
From somber greens and severe browns
Their brilliance catching the eye
Fills my heart with glee.
Memories of school days flood my mind
When stamens were swords and
Desktops duel grounds,
Leaning out of windows, gathering
Fresh swords, as soon as others were broken
Leaning out of windows, gathering
The White petal, one among the five
Rare like a white tiger treasured
Like a peacocks tail feather,
I remember – I remember, Rain trees
Which followed me, to college
Rain Trees on whose exposed roots
I’ve rested my head as on the lap of a friend,
Cool under its sheltering boughs
Wafted in its gentle breeze
Looking through the leaves
At a lacy blue afternoon sky
Dreaming endless dreams, of youth and joy!
I remember the Rain Tree under which I stood
As it drizzled one raining twilight eventide
The Sunsets rays filtering through leaf-ends
Which had caught, sparkling diamonds
All just for me – The sadness and the joy
That filled my heart that moment
As heavy as the Rain tree, heavy
Heavy, with raindrops that night!
The Rain Tree I look on now, grows
Fonder still, for it brings to mind
All happiness Rain Trees have showered me with
Till now and hope of other Rain Trees to bloom!