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 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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