Potted Banyan*

Somebody had pinched it Of its swiftness and vigor Its might, its hands Its roots, its girth Its fearlessness that could Challenge the sky Somebody somebody Mercilessly, gradually Beautifully had stolen away all Its mettle, stay-put spirit Against hammering winds Had been manipulated It’s now bent in absolute obedience Even at the command of mere finger-tips They cashed on its innocence And made it believe This life, here, is Beautiful and attractive Full of green in youthful vitality Extended to a hundred yojanas With umpteen uses Once upon a time It had spread its kingdom of life Alas Now potted In two fists-full earth Now reduced To arid eyes looking for water Somebody had pinched it Of its swiftness and vigor *Telugu original by Vinnakota Ravi Shankar