The Shield-maiden

A lightning struck Kapok,
as spring marched in,
leaves of the oak rustled,
orchids bloomed in wilderness,
the petrichor was ebbing away,
and mulberry twigs
dispelling dampness.

Kapok was a shield-maiden,
rooting for courage,
embodying a bark of sturdiness.
In rage and covetousness,
the gladiatorial fire,
annexed the sapwood,
searing pain ambushed
the heartwood.

The dried leaves wailed,
outbreaking tears
from their burning veins,
Kapok was impeded
by hollowness,
albeit, it was not doomsday.

The first ray of sunshine,
on the advent of summer,
empowered the greenery
of the young and valiant-
Shield-maiden Kapok.
She resurrected,
from the womb
of Mother Earth,
to breathe in freshness.

©songbriti