A Tree by the Road Side

(Dr Maung Maung Nyo)


There is a tree by the road side
Sun or shower it stands upright
When wind stormed with all its might
It still stands straight upright.

In hot humid weather people sit under her
They rest, they talk and take shelter
They walk away when feel fresh and better
No one says “Good bye” or “Thanks” to her.

Sometimes birds chirp on the tree
Those dozing complain it’s noisy
If the birds drop their faeces
The ‘lucky’ men will exclaim in expletives.

The tree blooms beautiful flowers
Bird, bees, butterflies gather together
It’s nice to watch and wonder
But for some, beestings is a mortal danger.

In the early summer gales gash
Leaves, twigs and branches crash
They may strike the onlookers in a dash
But it’s only an accidental bash.

Boys climb the tree to get flowers
They want to please their lovers
Some may fall and get injured
Then they blame the tree for ever.

Is it the tree at fault?
It’s growing in this lot
It gives shelter, beauty and what not
I wish the tree could speak as Camelot!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo,
22.6.2008
Camelot: A place of beauty, tranquility and enjoyment in King Arthur’s Reign