A poignant collection of childhood memories
Imprinted on a backdrop of luscious green trees..
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The wide expanse and aerial roots spun
From the branches of the majestic Banyan
The sacred Ficus religiosa or the Peepal tree
Its shade harboring a shrine invariably
Mango trees laden with fruits in varying stages of ripeness
The canopies of flame-red Gulmohar trying to impress
Amaltas trees that would paint the town yellow-
Trees that resiliently continued to grow..
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A sense of wonder as a new immigrant
Beholding for the first time fall foliage vibrant
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The streets in my north-eastern city were lined
By oaks, elms, maples and varietals of pine
Leaves attesting to changing seasons
To make my new home here, gave me a reason
Cherry blossom trees announcing the foray into spring
Hope and joy to my winter-weary heart would bring
***
In the City of Trees in sunny California a home I made
I recall the scorching heat and the soothing shade
Of the lush foliage, but the orange and lemon trees
Stand out distinctly in my memories
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I moved down south and came across
The awe-inspiring Live Oaks and Spanish Moss
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Junipers, oaks, magnolia and dogwood trees
Loblolly pines and the swamp-dwelling bald cypress knees
And the Spanish moss hanging down like delicate lace
Are the trees with which I share my living space
I’ve had the misfortune of witnessing mighty trees
Fallen and uprooted by a hurricane’s furies..
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Different places, different climates, different species
My sense of a place is rooted in its trees..
Passion...unbridled 