This neem tree grows outside our compound wall, and its
beautiful foliage spreads almost to the balcony of what we still call my
parents' room. (It also spreads generously outside that bedroom window, a
pretty sight indeed). It is a tree I love, and have longed to caress for such a
long time. I'm also quite nervous of
toppling from our second floor balcony, so I try and reach for it with both
feet planted firmly on the floor. Today, after months of trying, I finally
managed to touch a sprig of leaves. I ate two, tiny tender leaves, savouring
their bitterness, and then stroked the leaves that I could reach. I hope,
today, that the tree knows that I love it!
Your post made me smile. I don't go up to our roof very often but every time I do, I admire our neem tree and our mango tree. Just seeing them makes me feel good, especially now that the new leaves are coming in every day.
ReplyDelete@Sue, Yes, there's something magical about new leaves!
ReplyDeleteI do that all the time - even when I wait for the kid's van to come - just walk past the bushes and trees caressing the leaves or gently patting them. So magical the connect with plants.
ReplyDelete@Kamini: I'm sure they all love you too:)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're still growing taller! :) I remember trying to use the neem tree stick as a stand-in for a toothbrush because I saw other people doing it. Their foliage is quite something.
ReplyDelete@Sujatha: That would be something! I'm as tall/short as ever:)
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by the neem twig toothbrush but I've never ever tried it!
Neem is magical :)
ReplyDeleteNeem is Magical !
ReplyDelete@Yasmeen: Indeed it is! You have a lovely one too:)
ReplyDeleteI remember from childhood using neem twig for a toothbrush, Dipali. All I remember is you chew and chew. Lovely blog. Abha
ReplyDelete@Abha: Thank you! Don't the twigs tast bitter?
ReplyDelete