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Lost Plants of Tradition

Eleven years ago, 
while rambling  in my car
along the bank of  Iril river
at Kongpal Moirangpurel,
a serene countryside
I spied Ureirom plants growing there, 
their flowers blooming.

Long ago in our agrarian society 
their fruits dyed women’s clothes pink -
done indigenously in every household 
by the womenfolk.

Now the old art has faded 
year by year with time
and  the plants, once grown
in abundance are no longer seen.

Next day, in scattering showers, 
with a camera I went there
and captured  photographs
of the plants long unseen,
wondering how  they grew  there
while  absent elsewhere.

Today, after eleven years, 
when I strolled  there again
the ureirom plants were gone
among the riverbank’s weeds -
Once women’s favorite, 
now  out of fashion, 
neglected, nowhere to be seen.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Croft Avatar
May 29, 2026 at 7:07 AM
this is sad, i would think women would still like to use them.
Greenhough Avatar
May 13, 2026 at 1:02 PM
I'm sorry to hear they have disappeared. If you see them again, I hope you can save seeds to give to s seed saver source. They may have many uses. Thank you for the k owledge in your story.
Singh Avatar
May 13, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Many beautiful plants in my land vanished because due to climate change they are no longer suitable to the soil.Like this many birds,fireflies,species of fish no longer seen.Yes if I see again.Thank you for your nice comment.
Kendrick Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 8:40 AM
It is a pity, Akham, that you did not save some seeds and get a few plants growing so you would save them from destruction. I like this work about how our planet and it resources are changing. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Way to go. Sara K
Singh Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Yes,climate change is the main cause of plants,birds,and fish varieties once found in our land are vanishing,as they are now unsuitable for the soil.Thanks for your nice comment.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 2:17 AM
Upon returning to the same spot eleven years later, the poet finds the plants have been completely replaced by weeds, signalling the end of a once-cherished natural resource that is now "nowhere to be seen".
Singh Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Thank you for your nice comment
Empress Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 2:10 AM
I would love to also see these plants, and maybe after reading this ill google to have a look. I must say your words are full of nostalgia and overwhelming emotions over loss of what simplicity of nature offered back in the day etc. youv written so well! And expressed soulfully! Pleasure reading your poem today! Sending you light always!
Singh Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Thank you for your nice
Dietrich Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Such a poignant well written poem. I like this a lot
Singh Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 6:46 AM
Thanks a lot.
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