Like a benign king, for ages past, <br />I sheltered all who came to me <br />-Children, elders, travelers, lovers; <br />Homes I gave to birds and squirrels, <br />Showered flowers and fruits aplenty. <br /> <br />Now, old and derelict, my bounty‘s over, <br />No shade, no flowers, no fruits have I, <br />My bare arms I raise to the skies in vain <br />None comes for comfort or to comfort me. <br /> <br />Nay, my dry body still remains… <br />When the axe falls, I'll be of use again <br />Provide gifts galore to mankind, <br />Firewood for warmth and food, <br />Wood for doors, furniture and decor too. <br /> <br />Again I shall be among my people, <br />Like a kindly king in disguise.<br /><br />Elizabeth Kurian 'Mona'<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/monarchy-5/
