The Vermillion Hue

In the naked sky

Lives a man of mystery

Who has ruled the open roof above us 

For centuries of history

Every day he dresses new

Some day bright, someday hue

With twinkling jewels of incalculable value

With ruffles of wavy clouds

With silks of iridescent tinge

And with embroidered shadowy tone

He courts his Missus

Day and  noon

Already fallen for her beauty

And in hope of an arrangement soon.

Every morning he sings aloud

In light tints of Daffodil,

He parades the world around.

By noon he's draped in Fire

When the birds spill his folklore under lyre.

As Eve approaches

He comes to rest

With a sky so serene,

He flaunts his yellow best.

Filled with Butterscotch, Honey and Medallion

He pacifies into Vermillion

And so the Missus smiles

At the glance of the enchanting sky

For after a long day

He comes home with tears in his eye

'O dear Sun, why do you cry

It's not the gold, but the vermillion dye

Don't wet the ruffles

For the world doesn't know your anguish

Sing with cheer for your isles of brightness.

I am nothing in me

For my light comes from you,

You are in me

And I am in you.'

With heavy lids, he glanced at her

Kissing her hand

He unhanded his anger.

At last, he dressed his finest

For the time is set

And the bride's destiny has met.

He wore the Tangerine cape

With Amber smile and Bronze heart

And hand in hand they stepped forward

To the end of the day

But the dawn of the night.

Poem by - Vasudha Sharma

Written on - October 17, 2020