wood apple (Bael)

wood apple (Bael)
(Aegle marmelos Rutaceae)
P K Routray
In my garden ,
Twelve years back I planted a sapling,
A type of wood apple, Bael its name being.
my garden is in a city and small in size,
I knew this tree will become luxuriantly tall and will be one day my prize.
Its medicinal values and essential requirement for all worship and propitiation,
had inspired me to have its tree in my yard in spite of the domestic restriction.
Its fruits are pulpy and used for stomach cure,
its leaves are a must for each worship by Hindus world over.
Leaves also have immense medicinal value,
Used as a herbal medicine from cancer to flue.

but there is a condition for the tree to be fit for this tribute,
Its leaves can be used only after it carries its first fruit.
Neighbors will come and also will come friends from far and near,
will request for leaves and fruits which will give me satisfaction and cheer.
Now the tree has borne first few fruits this year.
I have to announce the message to all my near and dear.
That my toil and nurture have borne result for all,
I was elated as if it was for me a god gifted windfall.
From my terrace the tree with green leaves and young fruits looks so majestic,
the concrete masonries and small potted flower trees are no match to its beauty to be specific.
It has grown up and borne fruit in spite of all pollutants of a city,
as if to fulfill my desire and to speak all polluters a tree’s glory in plenty.
This piece is just an emotional expression
Conveying my gratitude to the tree,
No claim in return for its service, no grudge against us, however cruel we may be.