Legendary Tree

Where is that old legendary tree?

For years, it stood as a talismanic figure

In front of a junction of history

Beside the historic royal path

In front of grand old institutions

Like the Victorian town hall, University college, Sanskrit college

It stood and saw the times of change

In the end, fell down to sacrifice itself as the cost

For new age development

Soon vehicles will run

Over the very place, where it stood

It seems something is missing there

Bright light is streaming around

Than that beautiful shadows of branches

Now the roadside vendors

Too went missing as part of change

In rain days, it covered many people from rain

With its massive branches

During hot sunny days, it gave the breeze

It gave shelter to hundreds of people from scorching heat

As they waited, for buses that headed towards their destinations

Now there is a big vacuum

It’s hard to fill in and it never will be filled in

Those who once enjoyed the warmth of it

They will surely miss it whenever they pass by

It’s inevitable, as hundreds have to travel

Wider road is a necessity

That marked the end of a glorious life

It left a mark on the history of the city

I still remember those beautiful greeting cards

Sold under the shade of that tree

During Christmas, Valentines Day, Friendship day etc

I still remember those vendors selling

Vegetables, fruits, seeds and other stuffs

I couldn’t forget some policemen

Standing and helping the pedestrians to cross the road

During rush hours

Now people will wait for bus in the bus shelter

Finally, it will have people standing there

As that grand old tree is no more to give shade

 Soon no one will remember that grand old tree

That stood meters inside the road

It was once a hub of activities

Now its space is a hub for vehicles to run fast