Ujjwal Acharya

The Simal Tree

Many people came and sat in my cool shadow,

on this quiet hill where I have been for hundreds of years.

 

Yes, Ujjwal, I am the same Simal tree,

always determined to give life to you.

 

I am the rest stop where you come to avoid the heat of the sun.

I am your companion who supports you in sorrow and happiness.

 

Your childhood was spent playing the instrument on my leaves.

Your adulthood was spent playing and enjoying yourself with me.

 

I am your home, where you come looking for coolness in summer.

I am your desire you used to come running to play the playing house.

 

I saw you grow up in front of me.

Sometimes I see you fall with your legs tangled.

 

With time, look at today, your friend has grown old.

It seems like I have only my last breath left in me.

 

Now, my leaves are falling, and the stems are drying up.

Seeing that my end is near, don\'t you hear those husky dogs barking?

 

I want to live with you for many more days.

But I have no option, that death is ready to make me its drink.

 

Even if I\'m not here, my friend, please don\'t forget me.

In the evening, you were always afraid, please go nowhere outside from now.

 

Yes, Ujjwal, I am the same Simal tree,

always determined to give life to you.