I was grown with decadence along with love and care. I was first to bloom and first to give an heir. 

The eldest in a fragrant bunch, my parents were blessed. Day by day I bloomed with my kin in amassed. 

I was taught to spread my presence and enrich the masses. I was fruitful and gay to my core without any morasses. 

But unfortunately for me, I was born a Tuberose.  

So, there was forces beyond my control 

Arranged I was to beautify another like a garland  

It’s tradition in these parts of the world. 

So, off I went, plucked from my kin’s shade. 

I was given in marriage for a purpose and in purpose. 

I remember my mother telling me once, ‘when the scent is reaching There will come a time followed by preaching.’ 

Then she said. ‘It was time to wait and weigh in your fate.’ Could go either way good or bad. For me it went worse. It was a gamble, and I lost. 

And the curse continued. 

Every time I burnt; it secrets fragrance. 

No longer a Tuberose. 

Because I have been extracted into a scent. 

Now I’m formless and invisible. 

I’m present yet absent.  

-Savin Edirisinghe-