In the Shadow of Our Shared Sunrise

Isn't it surreal to think that somewhere in the infinite forests covering the nooks and crannies of the world,

a tree sprouted on the same day you were born, on that exact moment perhaps, 

opening its first leaf, taking the first peek towards the welcoming bright sun,

and has been growing alongside of you,

childhood to adolescence and further on, it slowly grew into a leafy tree,

amongst many others, happily conversing with their friends around,

and leading a good life perhaps,

not knowing of this dreamy poet who's thinking about it,

nor does the dreamy poet know where the tree is.

The only thing to hope for is that this tree, "my tree",

gives shades to a lot of weary travellers looking for a chance to rest below its bark,

there are nests for all the birds, the insects who live there without a worry,

feeling safe, contented and protected from every calamity,

and the leaves and flowers chit-chat amongst themselves,

there's a cacophony, there's a sense of belonging, love, 

and maybe, one day, after walking through lots of forests,

whispering at different trees falling in the path,

"Is it you?"

this poet might just stumble upon that tree, "my tree",

momentarily amazed, as a zillion emotions would clutter his brain,

Isn't it even surreal to think that somewhere in the infinite quilt of forest layers,

there lies a tree which took birth on the same day you were also born,

on that exact moment, perhaps?

***

Somsubhra Banerjee, 2023