Bougainvillea in the bright sun, In full blossom with vibrant colours. It brings asmile to atired pedestrian And also to ahappy traveller. The drenching heat suddenly disappears, And you get absorbed into Fresh, bright, cool pink. It takesyour burningheat and puts you Under acanopy of magicalpink, Which slowly percolatesinto your eyes And starts flowing through your veins. When you close your eyes at night, Those bright pink blooms will still be there, Swaying slowly in the wind Untilyou drift off to sleep. (Selected by Biraj Dixit) ■