In this poem, Dr Roopali celebrates nature, a fig tree, exclusively for Different Truths.

The tree dried a long time ago.
Its a dead tree they said.
Something in its frozen dryness
seemed to say
look here inside me
I am alive.

Twice they came with axe and spade
twice they were called away
earth muscles stretched and relaxed
the wind sighed as it blew.

The dry sky poured this year
the monsoons came pelting down
rivulets sloped down to the roots.

The dead tree tasted nectar
stirring  the sap of life inside.
Morphing the  dry anatomy
Into  a green body,
with budding leaves.

The big round shining leaves unfurled
dressing it in emerald green and pink
the wind danced past  lifting the bridal veil.

Buds peeped with flowers and fruit
the magic wand of earth and water
the mystery of wind and sky
palpitating life restored in full.
Ahhh it was a beautiful Fig tree!

Nature teaches us of  life and living.
Nurturing love keeps life going.
The ageing body fills up with caring
there is so much to receive
in giving and sharing.

Photograph by Madhu Aggarwal

Dr. Roopali Sircar Gaur

Dr. Roopali Sircar Gaur is a poet, travel writer, and social justice activist. A former professor of English Literature at Delhi University, and a creative writing professor at IGNOU, she is a widely published academic and creative writer. Her book Twice Colonised: Women in African Literature, is a seminal text on women’s socio-political empowerment. In 2020-21, she co-edited two poetry anthologies – In All the Spaces: Diverse Voices in Global Women’s Poetry, and Earth Fire Water Wind.

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