There is a very tall tree right in front of our balcony, on the other side of the moderately wide road. In Bengali, the species is called Debdaru. In some other Indian languages, it is known as the Asoka tree. It is possibly also known as the Cemetery Tree in English. All these names seem to make sense, when I think about these.

As I mentioned, the tree is very tall. I try to estimate its height from our fifth floor balcony. It seems to be about ten stories high. It bears an uncanny resemblance to a super-human figure. It is majestic - tall, strong, and supple. It is also beautiful, though it bears no flowers. Sometimes it looks like a sentry, standing upright in attention. Because I love cricket, it is often reminiscent of the ideal fast bowler. At other times when I observe its covering of tiny leaves fluttering in the gentle breeze, it seems like a king decked in a majestic gown. At other times still, it appears to be a saintly figure clothed in a simple robe. Its new-born green hue during the fleeting days of spring seems to be born of the unreal realm.

The tree sustains a countless variety of animal life. Beyond the various types of small birds who feed on its tiny fruits and seek refuge among its dense foliage, there are so many others. Even from my balcony, I can see nests built by tree ants. Squirrels and butterflies frolic among its branches. During certain months of the year, huge bats rest from its branches at night. I have not seen the bats for at least a year though. I wonder what happened to them.

There was a destructive hurricane a few years ago. The tree swayed violently in its wake for many hours. As I silently witnessed many other trees getting uprooted, I feared for its survival. It did survive. But it suffered severe injury. Most of its leaves were blown off, some branches were broken. Many of the birds that lived on it became homeless. Others that depended on it for their food went hungry. 

If only I could talk to the tree, there are so many questions I would like to ask of it.

Does your majestic appearance fill you with pride? Do you feel content that you are able to support and provide for so many lives? Do you feel sad that they never care to thank you? Do you feel happy because you fill me with awe and wonder? 

Were you afraid during the storm, or did you believe in yourself? After the storm, battered and bruised but still standing, did you feel anger towards the storm? Did your broken branches cause you pain? Did you pride your strength that withstood the storm, or did you feel thankful that you were endowed with it? Did you feel happy that you were able to protect so many lives, or did you feel sad that you could not protect so many others? Were you apprehensive that those you could not protect, or their kin, might blame you for their loss? 

Do you feel lonely?

Are you aware that though you have lived very long, you will cease to be one day? Do you feel anxious not knowing how or when the end will come - from a sudden, violent blow, or through a slow and prolonged process plagued by disease and decay? Do you feel peace having served your turn? 

I cannot ask these questions to the Debdaru tree in reality of course. But in my mind, I can - and I often do. It hasn’t replied yet. I am hopeful that it will, some day. 

April 15, 2025