THE TREE BY THE ROAD

I see you every morning, Standing beside the road, Carrying years on your branches Without showing the load. Buses pass, Trucks throw dust, People hurry without a look, Yet you remain there Like an open book. Birds make homes in you, Children play in your shade, You give without asking What anyone has paid. Summer burns your leaves, The hot wind troubles you, Still you save a little coolness For travellers passing through, Even for those unknown to you. In rain you bend, But your roots hold tight, You face the storm in darkness And look greener in the light. Some carve names on your skin, Some break a branch and go, Still each spring you forgive them And find a way to grow. You cannot speak, Yet every day you say— Stand firm, But give shade on the way. Old tree beside the road, This lesson I take from you: Strength is not only standing, It is helping others too.