P. Dayanandan
(Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) also known as the Flame Lily is the State flower of Tamil Nadu and National flower of Zimbabwe. It started blooming at our house in March 2014)
~
Earth trembles, sky thunders like the parai drum
Heavens open up, pouring un-polluting waters
Mingled with red earth, flowing like blood on the cross
Give me the chalice, Give me life!
It blooms as thunder lilies, Easter lilies, Valley lilies,
Flame lilies
See the glory in the lily?
True Life never dies!
~
Dr. P. Dayanandan retired as a professor and chairman of botany after teaching for 38 years in the US. His interests range from all aspects of botany to Pallava art history, Tamil literature, Dalit issues, education, space biology and spending time with young people to explore social consequences of oppression and empowering them to pursue studies in India and abroad. Ten years ago he helped organize a student and youth group called 'THUDI' involved in educating, agitating and organizing.
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