The boy grew around it
The big and tall mango tree
He loved, played and climbed
What to mention of monopolizing fruits
Often had nap under shadow of the tree.
The boy grew a teenager
No more frequent visitor to the tree
The tree would invite him to come close
And play like once he did
The boy would say - he is no more a kid
He has to go out with own folks
But he is short of money to do it
The tree would offer its fruits
And he would earn money out of it
The tree would be sad and feel alone
But not complain about it.
The time goes on...
One day the boy turns up with anxiety
He is now grown up young and married
The tree instantly smiles and offers
Its cool shadow and fruits
And even a desire to play with
The boy retorts he is grown up now
Maintains a family and a house to build
Where is the time for silly childish things
The tree offers its trunk and branches
Which he is glad to accept as it is
To build a house of his dream and vision
The tree is for more sad and alone
But he never mentions it.
After many many years have passed
The boy shows up once again
Looking now old, sad and depressed
So to say completely burnt out
The tree as ever concerned asks for reasons
And if he still could be of some use
Without its trunk, branches and fruits.
The boy now an old man himself -
No, I am tired of my life
No one around really needs me now
I am all alone myself
May I just seek a small favour
Sit at your roots and take some rest.
Are not these days many of us
Treat our parents just like that
As kids we so much love and depend
And look at parents for every need
Time comes when they really need us
Then we leave them sad and alone
Very often in some old-age home.
