The Tree People | Shabana Shaikh
There are different ways in which people subsist
Some ‘live’ their lives, some only exist
No, not the unlucky ones without opportunities
But the lucky have-it-all’s bound by responsibilities
They breathe, feel hunger, go to sleep
After all these are life processes
Not for them the thrill of trying something new
Or the joy of successes
They are the ones who only watch
As others dream, plan and achieve
They can only look the other way
But they can’t get up and leave
For they are true to their root
Although they may branch out and bear fruit
They may feel uncomfortable on their tether
But they patiently wait for a change in the weather
They bear the sun, they bear the cloud
They bear the winds, but do not speak aloud
And this is how, alas!
Seventy-odd human years pass
Until one day when they are finally free
From living the life of a tree.