A Log

I have once been a part of a big banyan tree Full with thousands of green leaves The leaves sway their little heads When sweet breeze plays with them Their murmuring sound was like a soothing song As if they were in prayer for the Lord! Beautiful birds and squirrels Built their houses in my hollow trunks Their noise and tweets Were filling the atmosphere with lovely sounds Some monkeys used to jump from branches to branches Carrying their babies in joyful abundance. When sun shines hot over head I see tired travelers seek shelter under my shade. Not only men but cattle and other creatures gather around me And I feel as if I am a part of their family. Some take afternoon nap under my canopy While village children play swings Holding roots of my branches. My history goes to hundred years back I have seen when village brides Were bade farewell in 'Sabaries' The carriers of 'Sabaries' and' Palinkies' Walk in matching steps, singing in chorus some beautiful songs. The bride, bridegroom and the marriage party Used to halt near me To offer prayers to Grama Devati I have seen silent tears flowing from the eyes of new bride. I have seen this village turning into a town When thatched houses were replaced By houses made of bricks and cement I did not know that A great danger for me was lurking around As one day some labourers from the nearby town Came with axes and saws They cut me down mercilessly And I heard them talking That there would come up a big industry The area was to be cleared To make wide roads and a planned town. Nobody was hearing my cries When axes were cutting my branches My white blood oozing from wounds My limbs were falling one by one. Lastly they uprooted me from the hard earth Which was holding me tight Not letting me go from her embrace. Alas! All in vain! They threw me on the way side My green leaves, branches and roots Were scattered here and there. Oh! The sun is now burning us And I am waiting to die cell by cell! @Bharati Nayak