As I stand near a Mahua tree one early morning, the sweet but heady fragrance of its flowers assail my olfactory senses. It is intoxicating. A carpet of soft white pebbles spread before me and as an April sun slowly rises on the eastern horizon, it leaves a sun-dappled tapestry on the ground, a sight more ethereal than real. What then emerges is a cascade of emotions tinged heavily with gratitude to Mother Nature who has provided to an ingrate humanity such a generous gift as Mahua!
The Stately luxuriance stands tall and majestic,
Its branches reach for the sky, proud, imperial.
Its dense canopy creates a tranquil haven,
Allowing sun rays to filter through, just occasionally.
Early in the morning, I witnessed the soft,
Sprawling carpet of white, round juicy pebbles,
Aglow in the callow morning sun, nature’s art,
A peaceful scene that calms and inspires the soul.
But there’s more to this tree than what meets the eye,
Its blooms are a haven for birds and butterflies,
Attracting them with their sweet, nectarous scent,
A paradise of life in symbiotic blend.
The nectar of its flowers is a source of delight,
For humans and creatures alike, day or night,
Bees gather it to create honey so pure,
A golden, natural treat that’s forever does endure.
The leaves, bark, and roots have medicinal qualities,
Healing wounds and ailments with their natural properties,
A gift of nature, a blessing bestowed,
A natural remedy, forever ready to unfold.
What an exhilaration, soothing as a salve,
Exciting as the first love, nurturing like elixir,
Bliss and delight unbound, hard to define,
A feeling of pure joy that’s impossible to confine.
O Mahua tree! Who created you?
Thou selfless benefactor whose bounties, rich and many,
A true gift to humanity, a treasure untold,
May your glory and beauty forever unfold.
May your generosity and benevolence never cease,
May you continue to thrive, in peace and in ease,
As we bask in the aura of your magnificent grace,
And admire the beauty of your wondrous face.
scribo ad LX 