The lone tree in the crowded
street
Has withdrawn to itself
Covered in vehicle soot and dust
Tied for banner, drilled for
adverts
It doesn’t wave to anyone nor acknowledges
the passing cow
Leaves drooped in the weight of
everyday chaos
It doesn’t shimmer in rain nor
unfurl in the bright sun
Like a mirage in desolate desert
It stands neglected in the
streaming crowd
Inhaling softly all day long
(the carbon and pollutants)
And exhale all of it into the
night
Quietly ascend the stars
To work the magic of glossy mushy
drupe
That delight the children on the
way from school
A gentle deference to everyday
lived
So that no creature fail the divine
quest
*Indian jujube tree
