In the barren land,
there lies a lone tree,
left behind by its brethren,
in the passage of time.

Once abundant, losing its sheen,
dagger of progress, making the kill,
an oasis of the nature's blessing,
paved the way, for road widening.

First they arrived, on the foot,
cut his friends, cleared the bush,
then came the drill and excavator,
breaking stones, digging the ground.

The songbirds stopped singing,
the flighty critters ran for covers,
as the bees and insects fall back,
even the flowers lost their fragrance.

The leaves burn, in solar heat,
rain water convert to steam,
forces of gale, putting pressure,
many fell victim to erratic weather.

Yet, it stood strong, on the sides,
been supported by kind people,
shielded by makeshift barricade,
protecting it from outside interferences.

And so, it flourished, all alone,
keeping memories of the friends,
life comes alive, under its shade,
smaller scrubs, to bigger vegetation.

Even now, when the tired men,
seek a refuge, from heat or rain,
its shade provides, welcoming respite,
an oasis indeed, in deserted land.

© Dr. Manish Rout