The Aswatha Tree Poem by Savita Tyagi

By the side of a village road was a huge Aswatha tree.
It's strong wide trunk supported numerous branches,
It's leaves full of life vibrated with cosmic energy.
The roots penetrated deep, as well as extending above ground.
A rope swing hung from thick branch like a huge garland around Deity's neck.
Children swung upon it to catch their dreams from high above.
Villagers rested under its shade to descend into dream world.
Even the visitors traveling on dusty village road would admire its strength and beauty.
Old as the tree was it inspired awe and devotion.
Surrounded by the changing landscape of land
It provided stability and connectivity to village life.
Sometime village girls would offer flowers and light diyas* in its cervix,
To celebrate divine blessings or life's jubilation.
Their slender bodies swung at the rhythm of folk music,
the sweet prayer hymns echoed the air.
On those full moon brightened nights,
The grand tree was transformed into all, that is revered as divine.

One day the sky started getting dark and ugly,
Huge rainstorm covered the village,
Clouds raced the sky,
Bolts of lightning flashed like swords flashing in war zone,
With thunder deafening the ear,
The wreath of nature was unleashed upon the village.
With an ominous sound a bolt of lightning struck the Aswatha tree!
Shrieking birds flew everywhere in darkness!
The sky was lit with orange and red flames!
Where there stood the mighty grandsire of the village,
Only ashes were remained!
Villagers watched the burned roots and charred trunk with deep sorrow.
Farmers working in the fields,
Children playing in the sun,
Visitors traveling on the muddy roads,
All missed and longed for the protection of Aswatha tree.
Its majestic image was etched in their memories forever.

The rainy season was over,
Fields were crowded with farmers planting new crops.
Then one day returning home from fields they looked at the vacant place,
Where there stood the mighty Aswatha tree,
The ground was full of new tender shoots.
Roots from underneath were giving life to many new saplings.
The villagers smiled and danced with joy.
Someday another Aswatha tree would grow there.
What has been taken was bestowed again upon them.
The story of Aswatha tree is the story of life and it's full circle.