In this evocative poem by Debarati, the tree, an eternal companion, provides shelter, a patient ear, and joyous picnics. It offers solace and warmth throughout life’s journey, exclusively for Different Truths.

If I were a tree
I would shelter you from this
scorching life.
I would filter the sunlight on a summer noon
and pour on you the rainbow's flamboyance.
When you felt like pouring your heart out
on a lonely autumn noon
I would lend you my patient ear.
I wouldn't judge you when you would come to me,
tired and crestfallen
after a long day.
I would give you and your friends shelter on
some stormy night.
I would extend my branches for you to climb and
hop on your picnic day.
I won’t be angry when you tear off my leaves for
your leaf art.
In life’s tumultuous journey, you will always
find me waiting for you while people move on.
At the end of a murky day, I will help you sleep in
my lap
till morning arrived wrapped in new sunshine.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Debarati Sen

Debarati Sen, an award-winning poet from Kolkata, published two solo poetry collections and contributed to more than 10 anthologies. She has recently made it to the top 50 poets in the NaPoWriMo 2023 writing challenge, and her poem, 'Maple Dreams', has been selected for the Yearbook 2022 to be published by Hawakal Publishers. Her haiku have been published in Haikuniverse, Five Fleas, Scarlet Dragonfly Journal, Suspect Device, Pan Haiku Review, and the Horror Senryu journal.

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