वृक्ष (Fascinating Tree)

Imagine a toddler flexing her tiny legs and arms to navigate across the room that is filled with seemingly (to her) harmless objects, most of which often do not even move.

She does it in her natural way without getting interrupted by anything except only when a very soft hand either course-correct her or gives a little cousin with hand as she gets too close to anything that could hurt her in the way.

Such is the role that great masters, mentors and teacher play in our lives. It is only when they are not around you feel the impact of not having them around; unfortunately, quite often it so too late!

Just like a giant tree that holds the roots of the grass and other small plants underground that does not allow them to be swayed away during harsh conditions like excessive rain or storm; but its value is truly realized after it’s gone and in matter of few seasons’ grasslands start appearing like a barren land.

I am dedicating this poem to all such great Masters, Teachers, Friends, Companions, Parents, Siblings, Relatives and even strangers that have played such role in anyone life!

तटस्थ सदियों से रहा निहारता चक्र काल का

पाताल तक लिए जडें और लिए भुजदंड अनंत

Once there was a huge tree; Galvanising, natures true magic. Witness of change since time unmemorable, with innumerable roots running into abysmal depths

तटस्थ सदियों से रहा निहारता चक्र काल का

एक वृक्ष था विशाल-सा, कुदरत के मायाजाल-सा

न आंधियों से डरा हुआ न धूप से थका हुआ

था माँ का आँचल जो सूरज तपे

चांदनी रात में लगता जिन्न विकराल-सा

एक वृक्ष था विशाल-सा, कुदरत के मायाजाल-सा

Neither scummed under harsh weather nor exhausted from the heat, tender like mother-love and standing formidable during difficult nights; Yes: once there was a huge tree; Galvanising, natures true magic.

भाद्रपद में अंबर जब मेघपुष्प बाण चलाते थे

सहज भूमि तले,  रहता थामे तृण का जाल सा

गोचर (धरती संग) सदियों से रहा, कुदरत का जो विसाल था

एक वृक्ष था विशाल-सा, कुदरत के मायाजाल-सा

During harsh rainy days, when clouds would relentlessly shoot waterdrops on earth/grass, it just simply held tiny invisible grassroots with the mesh of its roots (not letting them wash away). Truly one with nature, gently moving along – with earth

फिर नहीं रहा जो विशाल था, कुदरत का जो कमाल था

Now that time has turned and tree is not be found anywhere, Sky (nature) is now angry and is taking on its revenge

जो वृक्ष नहीं तो तृण नहीं कह-कह कर अंबुद आक्रोश दिखाता है

धरती को पीटे जाता है, सायादार नहीं तो तृण नहीं, मुझ पर धरती का कोई ऋण नहीं

कहो कहां गया वो कमाल था वो वृक्ष जो विशाल था

no more obligation (cloud says) to show any mercy on you (the earth), if there is no tree then there shall be no grass (life) either!

जो सजीव था,  निरजीव है, ये विडंबना भी अजीब है

जो सदियों पुराना बाग था, वो वृक्ष का ही तो ख्वाब था

अब नहीं रहा तो पता चला वो कितना बेमिसाल था

वो वृक्ष कितना विशाल था

All that was so far alive shall be benumbed; that meadow that long-lasted was dream of tree that held things together silently; now that the tree is not to be found it shall be realized (with pain) how Galvanising, natures true magic it was!

If you have read it so far, thank you for your patience; may you become magnificent Vriksh who’s glory shines till eternity!

Love, a