Hidden in the dark foliage of a mango tree It croons a ‘hammer on the metal’ lullaby The night has yielded to a youthful morn It’s a long call and the day is just born. I look up and see its crimson head Its plumage of blue, green, and red It seems certain with no hint of doubt It would ceaselessly call the whole day out. It isn’t in hurry, doesn’t care being late Knows only persistence in seeking its mate For dipping in romance in her sun-tanned wings And build a nest together for cute siblings. The two together in their most joyful mood Would peck a deep hole on some dead wood And in no time, the babies would arrive To make the dead tree vibrant and alive. ‘Tunk-tunk’ it goes on in the rising heat That sounds like a strike on a copper sheet I know it wouldn’t stop, today is the date For its tunes to find its lover and mate.