THE CHAMPA TREE

by Anuradha Bhattacharyya

A crow sits

On the branch of a champa tree

That extends towards the south window

Where Dadu often stands sipping tea,

That freshens with its sweet fragrance

Dadu’s stale study

And it shits.

Dadu flustered

Vows to chop off the Champa tree

That has grown over years

To reach the first-floor window

And burst into moon blossoms

Colliding with the opaque wall

Inviting curious kids.

There stands the champa tree

Astute in loveliness

Charming passers by

Enhancing homeliness

Where but occasionally

The crow

Leaves its droppings.