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A face of a plant,
Smiles of joy of cheer!
My leaves look up for a greeting every sunrise,
Only my awe!"
Nature is at the heart of Summers’ poetry, with the changing of the seasons evoking a range of emotions that testify to the meaning of being alive. Combined with intoxicating imagery both in prose and illustration, Summers’ command of figurative language is undeniable. Rooted within the theme of changing seasons as a representation of the passing of time, however, is an intriguing glimpse into Telugu and Hindu culture, from its traditions and gods to its rituals and celebrations.
Summers’ devotion to nature manifests itself in the form of light, flowers, and a pathway in the woods. Specifically, poems deal with the imagery of sunsets and moonlight, symbols of rejuvenating both externally and within. Her poetry conjures the resplendent festival of lights—Diwali. From mango leaves and berry trees to summer hydrangeas and periwinkles, the poetry is abundant with life and color, a vibrancy that speaks of a world existing, as the author suggests, in peace and harmony. There is an evergreen quality to her poems that yields a sense of serenity and rejuvenation, particularly in “Walking Woods!” where the changing seasons shift from the resurrection of spring to summer teas, then from the autumn harvest back to the winter carvings.
Whether it is a ceremony of reverence to Lord Shiva or Vishnu or Venkateshwaram, Summers’ peels back the layer to Hindu ceremonies by sharing the concept of pooja. Simultaneously, she helps readers understand the importance of certain events like “Navratri,” a nine-night procession that culminates with Dasara and Diwali, a symbol of the extinction of evil and a resurgence of light, good, and self-discovery. Through a strong grasp of personification, alliteration, and repetition in poems like “A summer brook,” Summers’ creates an enjoyable rhythm and tranquility within her poems.