Amaltas

This time of the year when the mercury is soaring and the earth bakes brown, you come across a very pleasant sight in most Indian cities - the flowering amaltas trees. Despite the blazing sun, the bright yellow flowers come as a respite, reflecting the indomitable spirit of Mother Nature. I clicked the pictures below on my way to work.

At the cost of ire of purists, I have chosen to use the name amaltas over laburnum. Few names have a very lyrical and poetic ring to it, like  gulmohar, maulashree, kachnaar...and amaltas! I thought it was a shame not to use it in the Indian scenario.

Amaltas

The gown is glittering gold,

Spangled with shiny yellow pearls,

Held in strings and streamers,

Ribbons and festoons.

Showers of topaz and citrine,

Cascading to the scalloped hemline.

Gilded eardrops drooping heavy,

Turning crystal chandeliers crimson.

Bits of sunshine woven in the veil,

As dripping silken rows,

Darting light as winds whistle.

Radiant amber beads ,

Swaying and sashaying.

Woodsy fragrance gently wafting.

Delicate bells almost tinkling,

As she tiptoes onto the stage,

Blinding spectators with brilliance,

To hear the proclamation,

"Winner of  Nature's Beauty Pageant,

Amaltas !!"