Embers of summer

Crimson semal buds
Burst forth on tawny branches
Against languid skies
Bearers of the summer’s heat
Destined to be burning dust

Semal, also known as the silk cotton tree or Bombax ceiba is a Spring-blossoming tree in India. It has spiky red flowers and fluffy seed pods, which contain a cotton-like substance that was once used for stuffing pillows and mattresses.