I saw a tree with leaves all green;
For centuries, cut, it had been!
Last sixty years, it grew again,
Well nurtured by the sun and rain.
Its roots were firmly anchored deep;
New twigs and leaves began to peep;
And soon, it was a mammoth tree!
And birds built nests, sang happily.
The stump that was some years ago,
Came back to life like magic, Lo!
Its flowers blossomed and turned fruits;
The tree was live, because of roots!
Despite the fact, the trunk was cut,
Its life remained preserved well but,
Its growth was hampered, bit somewhat,
A newer lease of life, it got!
The ‘Bharat Vriksh’ was what I saw;
Its roots were watered by blood raw
Of freedom-fighters, leaders great,
Who sacrificed their lives and fate!
The massive trunk was people’s might,
And patriots who went to fight;
The branches cut were widows made,
And mothers, whose sons had all died.
The tree looks lovely now but then,
For snakes, ants, vermin, ’tis haven;
They suck the sap and eat the wood,
And devour the fruits as food!
We Indians must preserve this tree;
Our fathers made us ever free;
We live a life of dignity;
Let Indians live in unity.
Remember all the brave souls lost;
Remind ourselves our freedom’s cost;
Let’s love our heritage always;
Let’s lead the world in every race!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 17-8-2007
Dr John Celes
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bharat-vriksh/
