Tuesday 19 March 2013

Under the mango tree!

There is a lone mango tree in the premises of the school where I teach. It stands tall, majestic and proud. It has been there since many years, even before the school was built. Every morning when I enter the premises, my eyes automatically turn towards the huge tree, and my heart fills with wonder and joy at this miracle of nature. The tree seems to welcome everyone entering the school with open arms.



The silent tree plays a pivotal role in the huge ground of the school. Like a wise old grandfather, it draws children to itself all the time. After an exhausting  PT or karate period, students sit under the cool shade of the mango tree and catch their breath. Sometimes while boys are busy playing cricket, the girls gather around the mango tree and play their girlish games. Or they just sit there whispering, giggling , chattering and sharing their innocent secrets with each other. The tree smiles at their girlish giggles.
Sometimes teachers bring their books and chairs to the ground, and sit under the mango tree, doing their work in peace, away from the hustle bustle of the classes and the staff room.
As soon as the summer starts, the tree is laden with mangoes.The green raw mangoes! Or the kacchi keri in other words. The sense of joy is palpable. Children and elders alike, are drawn towards the tree to get their share of Kacchi Keri.
The tree has witnessed many sports events and cricket matches that are held in the school ground. It has also seen the school develop by leaps and bounds in a few years. It has observed the tiny children blossom with each passing day. And who knows what events and changes it will observe in the years to come!
The mango tree inspired me to write a short poem and here's my feeble attempt at poetry. :)

                                   Under the mango tree
                                   the children play, 
                                  they run, they jump
                                  they skip and hop,
                                  and tired they stay,
                                  under the mango tree. 
                                     
                                 Under the mango tree
                                 the teachers sit,
                                catching a quiet moment  
                                to reflect,
                                in the cool shade 
                               of the mango tree.

                               Under the mango tree
                               waiting for the bell to ring
                               the drivers gather, 
                               they laugh and they joke,
                              and they chatter,
                              under the mango tree.

                              Under the mango tree
                              the birds spring,
                              sparrows, koels and parrots,
                             to gather worms and twig,
                             they build their nests 
                             in the mango tree!