Leafless Not Lifeless

I took this photo yesterday just after the rains. This beautiful tree stands in front of my house and I see it daily in different incarnations, as per the weather and ever changing sky colours. I've even spotted a few beautiful birds on this very tree.

I recently had this epiphany moment. I love leafless trees I realized. Every time I pass by them, I look at them and stop. A sense of awe takes over me. If I am walking along with a friend and I came across one of these, I stop mid-sentence and breathe out, 'How pretty!' And trust me this happens every single time.

There is something very powerful about leafless trees. Most of them are huge, gigantic and ancient just like your Grandfather. They've stood in that same single place for years and at times its the same tree your Dad and Granddad have grown up with, just like you!

Sure that once upon a time, they were all green, bearing flowers and fruits but now without that, and with just intricate attractive patterns formed with a trunk and branches, they still are indeed very charmful! Withered as they are like wrinkles on an old man's face, they withhold a lot of wisdom too. For, they've stood firm through thick and thin, summers and winters, heat and storm.

Such trees are a lot of birds' favourite perch, also at times an ideal place to build nests. The way one's Grandfather would embrace one, they embrace the birds. Smiling down, invitingly at you they seem to say something; the few remaining leaves, desperately holding on, rustle and whisper something...probably tell you a story, just like your Grandpa did!

This one stands tall and mighty in Fergusson College nursery and is visible from the road. I see it daily and trust me, every time I see it I experience the same sense of gratification. I also love the symmetrical design it creates.