Shady Tree

G. S. Rastogi

The seed of a rare plant entered my heart long ago,

Watered with blood and canopied with dreams,

No storm was strong enough to enter the ring

And disturb this tenderest of plants.

With loving care, freely I let it grow

In time it put on such a rich foliage,

Home to the cuckoo and other song birds,

A delight to the weary wayfarers.

Such enchanting sounds issue from this shady tree

That calm the mind and instill

Fresh energy to march ahead

And boldly face life’s unchartered sea,

As smiling, I fought my battles long ago.

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