Beneath southern sky an emerald shimmers
A tiny trinket jingles on earth from God’s crown.
Nature condensed heaven in a speck of land.
Keralam- God’s very own country
Perfectly nestled between powerful knights
At east, lush Western Ghats mountains
At west, pretty guardian angel Arabian Sea
Amidst, Keralam lay soulfully in nature’s cradle.
She is picturesque; a soliloquy spells magic in its milieu
In the green paddy fields folklores chuckles and sings
Zephyr carries seductive mud smell of uncouth farmers.
Moody monsoon shrugs and welcome flamboyant sunshine for Onam,
The Crème de le cream, the harvest festival of extravaganza.
It immerses in mythological essence and uplifts seasonal mood.
Exotic wild lives and bird sanctuaries dwelling in duskiness
A tempting fad of desired indulgence happening in serene solitude..
In the mould of turrets rich plantations nourish and flourish.
High ranges – an overwhelming glimpse in the misty background.
These panoramas and aristocracy blush in the locale as bliss
Or rather a true poetic musing and chivalry of the rustic place.
Tantalizing golden beaches and long coastline depict portrait
where fishing on tamed and wild waves a delightful sight.
Sensuous curvatures of rivers write lyrics on shorelines.
Sparkling lakes showcase glamour on its pristine water.
Spectral lagoons woo millions to its isle where twilight rests.
The gorgeous backwaters stretch tranquility on velvet banks
‘Kettuvallams’ reign and ferry tourists on silken curls of waves
Venice of east – the royal host treats guests on its slender lap.
Coconut flavoured cuisines melting on taste palettes wanting more.
Tourists devour the serenity in retrospect and steal a bit of it.
Beautiful temples and colourful festivals inscribe ornamental charm
Rich culture, traditions, ethnicity are ethos of the southern soil.
‘Kathakali, Kalaripayattu,Vallam kali, Trichur Pooram, Ayurveda’
Mirrors true heritage and pronounce rich legacy of Keralam.
Keralite’s nostalgia is etched and enlivens as everlasting phenomenon.
Wherever they go they bear a piece of Keralam within their heart.
An epilogue they flaunt it on their sleeves so dotingly and proudly.
© Maaya Dev
Footnotes: –
Kathakali- Ancient classical dance drama form
Kalaripayattu – Ancient martial art form
Vallamkali – Traditional boat race using Snake Boat
Thrissur Pooram- Famous Temple festival of Kerala
Alappuzha ( Allappey) dist of Keralam known as Venice of east is a hot backwater tourist spot.
(Being a Keralite I proudly present this ekphrastic poem about Kerala for all poetry lovers. I tried my best to portray its beauty, richness , ethnicity and culture. Hope you would enjoy this piece of work and share your sincere opinions)