I once knew a tree - a long time ago –
as I walked by she used to sigh over me,
she formed the backdrop to a favourite photo,
starlight was filtered through her canopy.
I knew her bark, her long-tailed leaf shadows,
the sounds and textures of storms in her limbs,
the comings and goings of doves and sparrows,
the poetry of her seasons verbatim.
It’s been a long time since I’ve left her shade,
years since I’ve felt her sigh on my commutes.
All memories, glorious or not, must fade,
all leaves diverge away from their roots.
But even so. They’re made of the same sap.
And her fogged image is a happy recap.
You know how life sometimes feels like one of those painter's shade cards? - with little square patches from every shade of terrible to awful to merely bad, and yet you're still awestruck by it because it still looks all kinds of amazing overall? Well, that's my life right now, and that image of a fogged up, eerie tree in a winter morning in Delhi was beyond feel-good.
You captured a lovely looking back image. I've had dreams lately that seem foggy like this poem - all images from back in PA, old cars, neighborhood, my mom hanging wash on the line. And always a tree....glad for a feel-good moment. Airy poem!
ReplyDeleteMom hanging wash on the line - that's such an evocative image! Gone now what with technology...the smell of sundried laundry is another thing that's passed out of my life...great euphoric images! Thank you for the throwback.
DeleteThis is stunningly beautiful (again) and a poignant reminder too.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks.
Trees are such an integral part of memories and nostalgia. Thank you.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI think many of us now are being put in a position of looking back through the fog... is it the better to appreciate the now? To seek a solace, a hope for when we turn our thoughts forward?
Evocative and another one to prompt the old grey cells! YAM xx
The now is kind of made up of the past - foggy and clear images. <3
DeleteDetails might be foggy but the overall impression and image will stay with you forever.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, trees are unforgettable!
DeleteHi Nila - lovely words evoking a foggy image ... so many over the years ... but to have remembrances through a tree - how lovely. It's being patient at the moment - regardless of the fog ... that's the right thought just now ... all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeletePatience is not really my strong suite :) but certainly there is a lesson in the patience of a tree and its solidity. Hope your week is going well.
Delete