So The Leaf Fell Down

I remember it clearly, I was but a wee thing! Sprouted green on that ageless branch! I saw these creatures ;colourful like my cousin flower, speeding on a long black tongue. I could see Mother tree , hear her rasping breath as the fingers of smoke curl up and grab the cotton in the sky!

I could see people rushing by, never stopping to look at us despite our wild dances when Wind pays us a gracious visit. Each on their own, oblivious to oblivion, swamped in the throes of something we never can grasp! In my prime I was rustling gossips and eavesdropping, when I saw them rush forth fear etched on their faces. And suddenly there were none ! Save for that white thing with red horns that blinked screeching madly back and forth. Ground beneath seemed to swell, pregnant once again, glowing in that maternal pride!

The black tongue seemed lonely, the world still went on,belch of those monsters replaced by opera of the birds. They seemed to be shocked at this sudden change. Grandma Leaf told us not to worry, this is our time. Mother Tree breathed freely and so did we.

I chanced on a lonely figure, a little boy peeping through the eyes of that tall being with million eyes! The little thing stared at us , pity struck cord in me . Those vacant eyes lit up when a bird came to visit us. His lips hid a smile, perhaps he knew our language and laughed at our jokes. 

Days melted like snow, I was ready to join the puddle. The little one was a frequent visitor, staring at us whispering worldlessly. Yellow creeped on me, a cow strutted along the black tongue , flipping and flapping enjoying her stroll. Two dogs played tag , running in glee abandon, as the sap drained from me. Life was all around, some caged, some on the threshold of decay! The little one came, took his place , I silently bid goodbye . A subtle wind came , caressing , coddling and I.........

Sanjana Varma