Supreme Sacrifice. Poem by Nabakishore Dash

Deep oceanic depression.
Cats and dogs it rained.
Devastating flood ensued.
Riversides were drowned.
Boats were engaged.
Rescue operation started.
One boat capsized.
His parents died.
Tragedy made him orphan.
Confronted unfortunate turns.
Found one big fruit tree.
For him, a farrago of glum and glee.
Sweet apples satiated his hunger.
Rested under it to slumber.
Wanted some money in his dream.
Tree whispered'Take apples for vending.'

Some years elapsed.
Thought of shelter and marriage.
Use some of my branches,
Build a tiny residence.
Married, but within years wife deserts,
Due to want of money and assets.

Wanted a boat for livelihood;
Carve my trunk, said the wood.
Now the tree is only a stump.
No apple can develop.
I am edentulous and totally senile.
Give some place to rest a while.
Rest on my part that remains.
How can I repay your grace?
Nothing is needed as reward.
Planting a tree and taking care
is a step forward.