Glopowrimo prompt 8 Trees are Saints in Disguise

Glopowrimo prompt 8
Trees are Saints in Disguise

Just a momentary glimpse
Into an alternate universe
Populated solely by trees
I felt palm leaves
Fan my face
And the broad dry red leaves
Fall from grace
Ashoka trees
Peepals
And Mango trees
They were like people.
All alike
Slightly different.

Each leaf shape
Spelt character.

They fanned caressed spread out
Offerings of breeze and shade

Each branch bowed
Under the collateral burden
Of its weight
Like dutiful householder.

Or reached up to the sun
Supplicant for all our
Collective fates

Sometimes I swore they reached
Out in mute tenderness
Offering benediction
And grace.

If trees are not the
Intended sole occupants
Of this, my universe
Where humans seemingly reign
Top of the food chain...
A quiet suspicion
Something's not in place..
The more I look
At trees...
I see how they both outrace
And embrace
The Human race.

Trees are signifiers
Dignified serenity's sage
They stand up in place
Static, rooted...
Even as they succumb to old age.

I feel flash forward
images...
Concentric circles
Like rings on the trees
Constancy, faith, endurance
Acceptance, submission, patience
Steadfastness, Aspirations
Of reaching high places
Without desertion of roots
Home bound always..
With every year
A new aspect permeates

Such is their beautiful wisdom
In their silent sacred days.

Trees are saints in disguise
If we only unmask our face.

(c)  Amrita Valan 2018