In the southern soil of India <br />Thrives a thick, beloved plant <br />Leaves of gold are tipped with rose hues <br />And its oil enhances chants <br /> <br />Sometimes called curcuma longa <br />Its roots promise love and health <br />Fragrant curries, healing powders <br />Indian saffron, sign of wealth <br /> <br />Warm and gentle is the fragrance <br />Earthy subtle undertones <br />Soon evolving to a sweetness <br />Therapy for weary bones <br /> <br />Brides are spread with its thick mixture <br />In the land of Bangladesh <br />Bodies gleaming golden ochre <br />Deep red henna hands enmeshed <br /> <br />But like every panacea <br />This spice has its bitter side <br />When combined with clove or ginger <br />Jekyll turns to bleeding Hyde <br /> <br />There are many healing flora <br />Flourishing in distant fields <br />Turmeric is one such blessing <br />In its golden orange yields <br /> <br />In the southern soil of India <br />Thrives a thick, beloved plant <br />Leaves of gold are tipped with rose hues <br />And its oil enhances chants.<br /><br />Liilia Talts Morrison<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/turmeric/
