The Oak Tree

I want to live like an Oak in shadows
Of snow crusted mountains: a young forest
Of beech and pine saplings will grow under me.

My view shall be clear: I’ll watch the heavens
Unfold in the night; I’ll see cold winter
Tip-toe from shivering lands of distant North.

I shall lose track of time. I shall be kin
To rocks and sparkling streams; the mist will cool
My roots and April sun warm my new leaves.

The birds shall rest in me; my heart will sound
With joyous cries: they’ll never fear a storm.
And when the time arrives, I shall let go

Of my acorns and leaves to meet the Earth
Like one who has seen the beautiful world,
Eager to see what waits, with no regrets.

Diptesh Ghosh