The Curry Leaves. Poem by Meena Somasundaram

The coriander plants

shoot out green leaves

on all seasons without fail

greener during rainy days

paler in the hot months

healthy most of the year

spotted they turn

when rains fail

bloom profusely with cheer

spread a pleasant smell all over

collect them every day

they being an ingredient

to season and supplement

the diet with aroma and iron

Lovely they look when cooked

Lovelier they seem

as they dangle in breeze

great is their value in regular terms

greater they stand with heads high

when tagged with medicine.

Simplicity overwhelms gracefully.

Essential they are for preparation.

Cheap and best in diction.

brushed aside wholly by most

held in esteem by a few

like to sing their praise

commend their value

with a fervour and passion

they do carry voluminous refer

with a coy bright decor.