Complaint of the Old Tree (Poem)

    -Ganesh B. Dhami

I, who once was tall, young, gallant and hansome;

 Drank sweet nectar from the earth's womb,

Bathed in so many rainfalls,

Witnessed so many ancient suns,

Sheltered so many birds,

Shaded so many humans,

Endured so many icy-cold nights

And scorching summer days;

Have now become feeble and helpless.

I stand tall but meek.

My own body has been the burden for me.

My ears do still echo with the tempting speech

Of the cunning leaders given under my shade

During their pre-election campaigns.

I still vividly remember their promises.

My eyes have witnessed so many amorous birds making love.

I have raised so many nestlings in my lap.

But, they never came back.

I still remember the old ploughman's wife

Who watered me and lit a mustard oil-lamp;

Died a year back.

Even the dog that loved and visited me frequently till his last breath

Died yesterday in a tractor's reckless drive.

I heard the municipality disposed his dead-body this morning.

I stand here mourning on his death.

                                                

                                                   7 ^th June, 2020