The Tree.

On the surface, the Tree appears to be sturdy and proud.

They admire its canopy from afar, for its opulence marks the heart of the forest.

The leaves rustle & fall, 5000 to be exact.

The days go by and another 10 000 are shed.

3000 more find their way to the ground,

5000 soon follow closely behind

And then, 24 000 adds to the score.

15 000 are raked away.

Fall arrives and a gust of wind throttles the Tree, claiming 35 000 leaves in the process.

The Tree is chastised for scattering its leaves in an unsightly manner.

Nobody remembers the Tree for its magnificence in the seasons gone by.

The leaves which once adorned its crown lie crumpled and are trodden upon.

They forget that the Tree shall sprout new leaves again.

And those lush leaves will be held in high regard once more.

Yes, Spring is nigh.

Despite shedding more than 100 000 leaves & being unappreciated, the Tree blossoms and is fruitful,

For that is its very nature.

And it shall bear yet another 200 000 leaves soon.

Very soon.

For now, it weeps for each leaf shed in vain.