Tree 5 -I Am A Banyan Tree Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon
Tree 5 -I Am A Banyan Tree
I am a Banyan tree,
Standing here,
Staring,
For hundred and three years;
Breathing!
Watching!
A silent witness!
To many stories, many events, many people!
My recent neighbours,
Just a few years old are two Coconut trees!
A Malabari and a Goan!
They compete with each other for anything and everything!
Who could be taller?
Who produces sweeter or juicier coconuts?
They have heated discussions, but later, make up!
They laugh and talk like little kids and are pals, once again!
I enjoy their conversation and laugh with them too!
When I laugh, my heart shaped leaves, flutter about in joy!
I have other friends too!
Like the Tamarind and Mango trees!
During summer, when the fruits are ripe,
We are enveloped by a sweet aroma!
Unfortunately, my friends are never at peace.
They are constantly disturbed and harassed by people!
We hardly get any time to talk to each other!
Just see! How people hover around these fruit trees,
Trying to pluck the fruits,
Throwing stones or pulling at them mercilessly!
I notice,
Some people are so greedy!
They would do anything to pluck a fruit.
They break branches and leaves,
They pull, snatch, tear or even grab
To get a fruit!
They become impatient and pluck the fruits before
They are ripe.
My heart shaped leaves hang their heads in shame,
Watching, these avaricious human beings!
Even though I am standing in a park,
Where there are many other trees,
People choose me as their favourite spot!
My coconut colleagues feel slightly envious,
For no one bothers to sit under them!
I have spread myself and my leaves form an umbrella
Protecting and shading the people from unpredictable weather! .
But under my shade people flock
They are happy to sit and relax.
I open my arms to welcome them into my cosy lap!
The morning starts with school children running around me,
Playing hide and seek and running wildly around me,
Screaming on top of their voice and throwing tantrums,
Scattering heir bags and books,
Quarrelling and boxing each other's ears,
All for trivial reasons!
But I love these innocent children
And enjoy their mischievous pranks too!
My heart shaped leaves shake with laughter
As I watch them clapping in fun and frolic!
There is one pretty girl who loves to read books
She comes with a bag full of books,
Sits quietly,
Picks up her favourite book,
Begins to read!
She reads for a long time
She gets so engrossed in the book that
She forgets to look at her watch!
She remains unaware of the time ticking away.
But I have my own way of warning the sweet girl.
My heart shaped leaves whistle and sing,
Cautioning the little girl of the time!
Sensing the warning,
She gets up. As she leaves,
My heart shaped leaves showers her with blessings,
I know that one fine day she would be a great girl,
Who would make her country proud with
Her knowledge and wisdom!
Hi Geeta, It is me again. Two facts about banyan tree: 1. It is reported to be proved scientifically that banyan tree gives out more oxygen than most other trees and that is why animals, including human beings prefer its shade. 2. Banyan tree also has its fruit. But is so very small, just a few millimeters is diameter. When the fruit are ripe, the tree will be flocked by birds. And the seeds, after the fleshy outer part is eaten by the birds, sticks to the beaks, feathers and legs of the birds. The birds rub the body/beaks on rocks/walls/other trees to remove the seeds. And the seeds that get stuck to these rocks etc., germinate there when rain comes. When a banyan tree grows on a rock, its roots grow into the rock and over years, smash the rock to dust, thus creating more soil for other trees. The secrets of nature are wondrous.
Part - 1 You have made an interesting inscription on banyan tree having a wonderful insight. I mark the following lines more impressive. Even though I am standing in a park, Where there are many other trees, People choose me as their favourite spot! Continued...
Standing here, staring.....wow! Exceptional usage of words and as always there's so much life. Beautiful.
You have made a garden conversation a message full of aspirations and hope. Though all envy, every one have to play their own psrts well. So nicely captured with all garden trees.
Part - 2 My coconut colleagues feel slightly envious, For no one bothers to sit under them! I have spread myself and my leaves form an umbrella Protecting and shading the people from unpredictable weather! . But under my shade people flock They are happy to sit and relax. I open my arms to welcome them into my cosy lap! Great write.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/10/2024 6:51:30 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Nature! ! With shades of peace and love. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.