Notes About The Poem

March 13, 2021
        Inspired by "Flowers or Flowers In Imagism Form" poetry Contest 
                             Sponsor : Constance La France

 

 

Bird of Paradise

The day you brought me a Bird of Paradise,
         a rare flower which imbibed sun’s blushing orange glow,  
             and aquamarine blue from ocean’s bosom, 
         erased the excruciating pains of our separation
                    unfolding a symphony of colours,
                          stayed and comforted me since then 
                                   with satiny softness.

                    The ebullient orange and blue petals 
            with a tint of olive-green from the depth of the sea, 
            where a dreamy mermaid weaves her crimson love... 
                    remind me of our tender days together 
                    with unrestrained laughter and pure joy.
                     the blue elegant boat-like bract brings 
                        the memory of our doting parrot -
                         lingering lilac memory she left... 

                 As if she left the glistening colours of her wings
                                on the slender petals....
                       for me to gaze at the graceful beauty, 
                        so all the sorrows, all the sadnesses 
                           magically heal and evaporate.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Richards Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 12:58 PM
It is named for the Bird-of-Paradise for its colours and seemingly the flight of the bird by that name. This is truly a lovely poem with so much depth and emotion reflected via the template of nature. A belated congratulations in Jay's contest, Mala. Regards, Suzette
Ray Choudhury Avatar
October 5, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Thank you, Suzette! Feel honoured with your inspiring comment.
Rodrigues Avatar
May 20, 2024 at 4:07 PM
You picked a lovely flower, Mala! Congratulations on your top win!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 20, 2024 at 4:28 PM
Dear Kim, Thank you. Your thoughtful comment gives me so much joy! I feel really humbled!
Seeker Avatar
May 19, 2024 at 6:05 AM
Mala, this is simply sublime! Warmest congratulations on your top win
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 19, 2024 at 7:08 AM
Dear Seeker, I feel over the moon with your comment. A comment like this inspires me to write many more poems - I am honoured and humbled. Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful.
Kauffman Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:39 AM
Dear Mala! Congratulations on your first place win in Jay's contest. What a beautiful and very unique flower as the subject of this poem - a tropical flower of sheer delight! I love the blending of your floral description with vibrant imagery and your depth of emotions. Wonderfully written dear friend! Sending you blessings, hugs and much love.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:44 AM
Dear Sam, Thank you so much for your ongoing support. I am truly over the moon with Jay's placement, this is very important to me for getting inspired to write. You, a gifted poet yourself, inspire me with your kind, encouraging and thoughtful words. Can't wait to wait to read yours. Love and Hugs ~
Goldsmith Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Congratulation on your win. I enjoyed reading your beautiful "Bird of Paradise" write. I love this pretty flower/picture... Have A Blessed Day Writing Away............
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:37 AM
Thank you so much, Dear Paula. Really appreciate your ongoing support. Have a wonderful week...Love and Hugs ~
Narain Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 9:32 AM
Thanks for listing your nice poem in my sponsored contest. Congratulations.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:32 AM
Dear Poet, I am so glad I entered my poem in your contest! Honestly I feel like over the moon! Please continue to sponsor more contests like this to inspire us writing. Thank you so much, truly appreciate your placement. Best wishes ~ Mala
George Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 12:17 AM
Wow.... so lovely! You have magically brought forth a riot of colors on the petals of the Bird of Paradise. "As if she left the glistening colours of her wings on the slender petals.... for me to gaze at the graceful beauty," ! A poem of great beauty. Congratulations on your top win, dear Mala.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:35 AM
Dear Valsa, Honestly I am feeling over the moon. It is so important to be appreciated! Thank you for your ongoing support. You are right - we have the same kind of passions - art, nature, music, of course poetry. Love and Hugs, Dearest Friend.
Merryman Avatar
May 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Mala, congrats on your win with this colorfully descriptive write! Blessings, Kim M
Kulkarni Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 9:49 AM
Very beautifully written Mala! The last line 'a void gently whispers." has so much hidden meaning!!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 10:26 AM
Thank you, Smita, for reading my poem - really appreciate. I am so glad you have noticed the underlying meaning in the last line. BW ~ Mala
Lamoureux Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 9:59 PM
Beautiful and sad at the same time. Blessings Rick.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 17, 2021 at 6:41 AM
Thanks, Richard, for visiting my poem. Appreciate your thoughtful comment ~ Mala
La France Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 9:25 AM
Mala, congratulation on your win in my Imagism challenge on the theme of a flower or flowers with your emotional and wonderful poem, well done _Constance
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Thanks, Constance. Your themes are always interesting! Appreciate your comments ~ Mala
Y. Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 9:24 PM
Hi Malabika, Congratulations on your winning write. Have a wonderful evening:-)Alexis
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 9:36 AM
Thank you, Alexis. Really appreciate your comments ~ Mala
Brul Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 8:56 PM
Back with congratulations...This poem is worth of a revisit and a FAVE!!!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 9:37 AM
Thanks, JCB. Your Fave!!! What an honour ~ Mala
Kauffman Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 3:56 PM
Mala, you have expressed such deep emotions as you describe your experience with the bird of paradise. Wonderful metaphor and imagery. Wonderful blending of a multitude of elements! Congratulations on your win! Much love and many blessings. Sam
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 4:13 PM
Dear Sam, Thank you for the wonderful comments - your comments encourage me to write more. My inspiration for this poem was Ezra Pound's Imagist poetry, and I thought this flower is just what I wanted to write a story about. Love ~ Mala
Jayasankar Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 4:34 AM
What beautiful imagery Mala... 'The ebullient orange and blue petals... reminding of days of unrestrained laughter and joy... Loved it... Congrats on your win.. Hugs.. ~ Ani
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 5:59 AM
Thanks so much, Anitha. The flower itself is beautiful! Love your inspiring comments ~ Mala
Andresen Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 3:56 AM
- A beautiful flower I have never seen before ... a deeply moving poem, Mala :) - Congratulations on your win :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 5:57 AM
Thank you so much, Anne-Lise. You made my day! I love this flower too! Hugs ~ Mala
Pandit Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 3:59 PM
That flower is so special. Lovely write Mala. BIG congrats on your win.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 5:17 PM
Thanks, Vijay. Glad you read my poem. Yes, that flower is very special. I attempted to write a modern imagist poem following Ezra Pound's movement, with this special flower.
Allison Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 3:12 PM
such a touching piece malabika, I have grown seeds but so far my plant has yet to flower but I live in hope:-) Many congrats on your win :-) hugs Jan xx
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 3:33 PM
Thank you, Jan. I am so glad to hear about your plant! Appreciate your loving comments ~ Mala
Krutsinger Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 11:49 AM
This is filled with lovely imagery, a definite winner. Good luck in the contest.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 12:06 PM
Thank you so much, Caren. An experiment with Imagism - glad you liked it ~ Mala
Horsman Avatar
March 13, 2021 at 8:33 PM
The sadness the joy are all there, Mala. truly a moving poem..Love it.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 5:28 AM
Thank you, Harry. Appreciate your inspiring comments.
Brul Avatar
March 13, 2021 at 4:16 PM
This is such a majestic piece of marvel! With just few words you were able to tell us a love story written in each petal of that bird of paradise flower..I am mesmerized by your short but powerful description! More to come!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 13, 2021 at 4:24 PM
Thank you so much, Dear Poet. I am delighted that you have enjoyed my attempt at writing a short, modern, imagist poem. Love ~ Mala
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