The passing of a loved one is traumatic, to say the least.
More so if it is a parent, sibling or one’s own kid; even worse if its untimely. Loss in any case is irreplaceable. If an accident would be consoling, a murder is catastrophic!
One score years isn’t a long time, in nature. A quarter of a human lifetime. In actual terms as per a recent SC order it’d be valued at 15L. In real terms, invaluable.
Twenty summers ago, a thin frail twig with bright broad leaves took root. Many said it had no chance, doubted its gender, but she smiled and on she went journeying towards the bright blue sky.
Summer of 2019. 18 yrs later, she blossomed, a beautiful young one with few creamish flowers quickly followed by round honey-golden brown fruits. Next year, Covid lockdown cleared the air; she flowered a lot more and grew to its age, matching its sibling nearby. Her friends around grew taller, stronger. Neither intimidated nor dominant, she was undaunted in her pursuit.
Spring 2021. As with the economy, everything else was looking up too. Few other friends fruited too, for the first time. Many colourful winged friends, large predators, little sunbirds and songbirds, nestled all around.
The world just saw the hottest year ever, helped by the home cooling systems. Himalayan glaciers shrunk further. Meanwhile, a giant iceberg, larger than the size of most European cities, measuring 1,270 sq kms came off the 150-meter-thick Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica – repeating its previous years feat.
Back home, something was amiss. On a routine sortie, I found the coolest spot regularly visited wasn’t quite normal. Sunlight wasn’t filtering through dense canopy, rather scorched the earth; a tailor-bird couple that cosily nestled in her bosom was restless, a snake swiftly slithered away and as the dry leaves ruffled, a stub revealed itself. Harsh hacksaw gashes stared back coldly from fresh cut wood. She was gone, murdered! A neighbour lost its limbs. Barbarians had attacked. Heart sank, tears rolled at the ghastly scene. How could someone be so ruthless and unkind! It was devastating. A couple of days I kept visiting, being sorry and heartbroken. It took 20 minutes to hack a 20′ tall 20 yr old tree. Can they not feel the loss of a loved one? I hope.
Then one April friday a week later, through one of the gashes, sprung a new life. It showed her resilience, a willingness to survive and fight for its life. Few baby-green leaves bobbed leaning on me, aided by providential summer breeze. Happy for being alive, thanking for affection and patience. I was sure if not uprooted, she will go on to live five score years or more.
I may not live to see her blossoms again, but her ecosystem will restore. Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Bugs and Squirrels will return to their abode. Song and mirth wPeople will value its produce. Mother Earth will continue to be nourished.
My Soapberry Fairy
Wise | OtherWise 