A Log Poem by Bharati Nayak

I have once been a part of a big banyan tree
Full with thousands of green leaves
The leaves sway their little heads
When sweet breeze plays with them
Their murmuring sound was like a soothing song
As if they were in prayer for the Lord!

Beautiful birds and squirrels
Built their houses in my hollow trunks
Their noise and tweets
Were filling the atmosphere with lovely sounds
Some monkeys used to jump from branches to branches
Carrying their babies in joyful abundance.

When sun shines hot over head
I see tired travelers seek shelter under my shade.
Not only men but cattle and other creatures gather around me
And I feel as if I am a part of their family.

Some take afternoon nap under my canopy
While village children play swings
Holding roots of my branches.

My history goes to hundred years back
I have seen when village brides
Were bade farewell in 'Sabaries'
The carriers of 'Sabaries' and' Palinkies'
Walk in matching steps, singing in chorus some beautiful songs.

The bride, bridegroom and the marriage party
Used to halt near me
To offer prayers to Grama Devati
I have seen silent tears flowing
from the eyes of new bride.

I have seen this village turning into a town
When thatched houses were replaced
By houses made of bricks and cement
I did not know that
A great danger for me was lurking around
As one day some labourers from the nearby town
Came with axes and saws
They cut me down mercilessly
And I heard them talking
That there would come up a big industry
The area was to be cleared
To make wide roads and a planned town.

Nobody was hearing my cries
When axes were cutting my branches
My white blood oozing from wounds
My limbs were falling one by one.

Lastly they uprooted me from the hard earth
Which was holding me tight
Not letting me go from her embrace.
Alas! All in vain!
They threw me on the way side
My green leaves, branches and roots
Were scattered here and there.

Oh! The sun is now burning us
And I am waiting to die cell by cell!

@Bharati Nayak