Premature Deparature

Premature Departure

P K Routray

Day I remember,

It was a day to cheer

when a fruit in it I located

after fourteen years since the sapling was planted.

The tree is Limonia acidissima, bael or wood apple with many an use,

leaves and fruits have medical values and have religious use to Hindus.

The day in day out it gave me excitement and pleasure

while the sapling I tried to nurture

dreaming it would grow to bear fruits one day

and would give the leaves, the religious say

only after the tree bears fruit

then only for the propitiation of the Almighty the leaves will suit

Fruits would be tasty and beneficial to health

It would be unique and in the city it would be my acclaimed wealth.

The D-day came after fourteen years

giving me both inner and outer cheers.

Neighbors thanked me and plucked the leaves for their prayer

fruits with pleasure and pride among them I did share

The joy was short-lived lasting only for two seasons

From the Phailin I could not save the tree despite pre warning reasons.

The tree was uprooted or broken at the root

straightened I the tree, by tying at its shoot

All attempts known to me I applied for its survival

Prayer, advice, good wishes proved abortive for its revival

The drying tree is standing close to my reading room sharing my tears

The bondage had developed so close over the last sixteen years.

Each glance at the tree pricks my heart making me philosophical

I came empty handed will leave empty handed everything is ephemeral.

Life exists in me and in the tree with mortal body as cover

as we die with the body will vanish in fire, earth ,air, water and ether.

Hey Phailin! Why did you come? Who did send you?

Is it to remind us man is a toy, He is the master true.

Why did He endow us with love, not alone but with attachment,

making it difficult to practice and imagine love with detachment?

I shall plant another sapling of better breed to soon bear the fruits

but  I shall surely search this tree in its leaves stems and roots.