Mukkuti Poov (Gods Own)

Let our children aim high
and glance down as well.
Find happiness in small things,
and let them be more sensitive.
Watch birds and the small flowers
that bloom,not only in our
garden, but also on the wayside.

Never thought a Malayali child
would ever ask-‘which is mukkuti”
Ask him to pluck a mukkuti.
It will be a learning process,
to pluck it with a soft touch,
without hurting the petals.
His heart will just mellow down,
and will have the lightest fingers-
by the time he plucks some kaka poov.

It hurts to see mukkuti, thumba,
Kaka poov and other small Gods own flowers
disappearing from our landscape.

Let our children watch birds,out in nature
rather than in cages.
Keep a bowl of food and water
for the bulbuls and squirrels.
Up in the terrace or in the balcony .
Sit far and just watch them calmly.
They do recognize the person
who feeds them.

Isn’t it heartening to think that
there is somebody up there
watching you from the tree top,
and waiting for you
Back home.
HAPPY ONAM