TREES
Bhavana S. Chari
Trees, the embodiments of natural beauty,
Constitute the “flora” of our unique planet earth,
Flourishing, in moderate climate, no rival per-se
The life-giving source, to man and animal kingdom.
I delve in deep contemplation, what, if there,
were no trees, would happen to the species, innumerable,
that sustain, on congenial environment,
Where would be, the minute specimens in this large world
God adorned this planet, with green vegetation,
As precious gems would do to a kingly attire,
The balance in nature, to preserve and protect, To shelter
and sustain the poor and the homeless,
The pine, teak and devdar of the mountainous, to the
palm and coconut groves, and asoka,
Neem and banyan of the orchards, from
sugar-cane, rice and maize of lush fields,
To the rose, lily and sunflower of the garden.
Nurtured by rain, ponds and rivulets, in the wild,
The over-flowing streams and channels in villages.
To the waters that provide, blithe surroundings,
The trees, the very elixir of human habitation!