The Pyinma Stump (Pyinma Ngote Toh)

The Pyinma* Stump
(Pyinma Ngote Toh)

Gnarled, grotesque and vulture like
Old Pyinma stump assumes an ugly sight
It stands alone on the mound height.

Its branching point has an old hole
Scab around it has hardened and old
It was eaten by white ants galore.

Near the mound bank the soil is parched
A soldier's helmet and a dry cloth dummy perched
It points to a military camp.

This old Pyinma stump
Has endured wars and white ants
Suffered sword-cuts and sun-burns
Storms could not turn it bowed
When summer comes along…
Old leaves fall down for new leaves
It assumes a new look in the breeze
Wow! Thou art a hero to me.

* Pyinma is a big tropical tree like an oak tree in Europe.

Minthuwun
(11.1.1949)
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(13.6.2007)