The Tree Says 'Hi'

 

The tree says Hi!

My balcony was briefly an arboretum.

Windswept leaves splayed over the floor 

Like champion specimens -parts of a fine species-

Careening into a welcoming sanctum

That is otherwise empty- save for clothes on stands

Or people on feet. When this tree paid its timely visit

Luckily, there was nothing, no-one. It probably seized

A rare chance- when it was out of anchor, fit and fine,

In form- and the tiled floor bare. No sign of occupation.

It bore its way past the metal rails that serve to

Prevent our falls, but here cushioned the tree's.

It rested its somber branches easily on the rail,

Which is mighty strong and sturdy, as I can now discern.

It snooped its slender branches threateningly over

A cauldron of leaves. Green cauldron, green sorcerer.

When I woke, there it was, unshakeable, unmovable.

Oh, it was mobile alright. It'd have moved of its own will.

It was merely enjoying its soiree in a forbidden land,

Like we all do. But it just stared at me, with composure

Unexpected of a transgressor. It was defying my gaze.

I felt challenged. Yet, I knew that maybe, something,

Somewhere, today, was special, for the stars to have aligned

Such that our aloof long-time neighbor had paid us a visit, long overdue.

In eighteen years, it grew, shot up, and today, was ready to molt,

And break free. Same story as me? Maybe.

What shade it offered, what verdant sights

At close-hand. It painted green onto our window,

So to speak. It ushered in the freshness of green,

That we had so long been ignoring, setting aside-

The tree walked right inside my home,

Without as much a rap on the door as a jerk and a thud,

And it leaned in, arm jauntily on the balcony railing,

As it said 'Hi.'

An Aside: I realized while writing this poem that it resembles a famous poem by Adrienne Rich- 'The Trees', in which the forest walks into the poetess' house! That is literally what happened, in a sense! I strongly recommend that you read the poem, 'The Trees' if you haven't read it before, and regard it in its literal sense if it has been taught to you metaphorically. It's the best imagery that could be lent to what I experienced on the 10th of July, 2022!

Also do note: The picture above was shot by my camera at the site of the tree's arrival, which is my balcony.