The Haunting Tree

The Haunting Tree

Won't you stop as you did when I was alive?

Dr Abe V Rotor

Dead Camphor Tree, UST Manila

The Haunting Tree

I am dead.

Won't you stop as you did when I was alive?
Where is the gentle wind? Rainbow's showers?
The birds perched singing in my arms,
Bees and butterflies kissing my flowers?

Where are the dewdrops that bejeweled my crown,
Diamonds glistening in the morning sun?
Children, many of them, coming after school
To play in joy and laughter under my gown?

I am dead.

Won't you pay me a visit in my mournful state?
Where's the good doctor who cares for the sick,
Who made drugs from my sap, leaves and bark,
Men who made riches from the meek?

Love and care, yes, I gave these openly
To any crawler, flier or hopper,
Tenant, transient, creatures all - and men,
Who profess love for one another.

I am dead.

Welcome to my grave, the lost and homeless,
Saplings and fern now touched by the sun;
The vagabond and strangers in exile,
Those waylaid on the holy path of man. ~

Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid Dr Abe Rotor and Ms Melly C Tenorio
738 DZRB AM Band, 8-9 evening class, Monday to Friday