The Cluster Fig Tree

I am nostalgic, and creative,

so, it is no wonder

I decided to embark on a project

to paint and write odes on,

all the plants that gave me joy,

as a curious child,

or clueless youngster

growing up in rural India,

making me what I am today.

That's cluster fig,

that belonged to a neighbor,

Twisted trunk

and loaded with fruits

year round,

a banquet for birds:

sparrows, crows, parrots,

mynahs, bulbuls,

and so many more.

As I sat in our garden,

under mangoes and citrus canopies,

reading my bulky books,

I looked away in between

to rest my eyes.

Saw the birds on that tree,

listened to their chatter.

It was my relief.

One tree can give sustenance,

to many creatures,

and offer a human,

if nothing,

peace and Zen,

this cluster fig is an example.

Thank you for reading.

Note: the cluster fig (Ficus racemosa) is a species of plant in the mulberry family Moraceae.