The Peepal Tree

As I approach my village
the peepal tree
standing at the edge
of the slope
reminds me of my father.

Now that mother
and father are no more,
from whom can I expect
that warm embrace?

My heart flinches
as my sisters-in-law,
my closest relatives,
walk indifferently past me.

The apricot tree
standing firm in the middle
of the courtyard
reminds me of my mother.
As I rush towards it,
she appears, spinning the wheel.

My eyes grow wet.
Tied with maternal love
the headscarf is drenched with tears . . .

Who can defy destiny?

I embrace the pillars
and recall the abandon of childhood
those carefree games
those bird nests . . .

Oh mother,
why did you bear daughters?
And why, oh father,
did you marry them
to distant places?

They keep returning home
uninvited.

THE PEEPAL TREE