Queen of Our Garden, Heart of Our Home

 

 

Our journey together began

More than a decade ago.

You were planted with much care,

Alongside other fruit-bearing kin.

We wished you could grace our yard,

To be our mark of distinction.

But more than that, we wanted you 

To spread your cool warmth into our home.

 

You seemed to sense our silent feeling,

Our sincere longing to call you ours.

Your tender leaves swaying in the breeze,

Danced with vigour and effortless ease,

You set our hearts flutter with joy

And filled our eyes with calm contentment.

 

In time, you grew - strong, tall and wide,

Standing stout with great pride.

Yet seasons went by without a bloom,

A decade passed by, untouched by fruit.

We worried, we pondered,

But waited in patience.

Our love for you never diminished,

We stood by you, trusting you would flourish.

 

Then one blessed day we saw you stoop,

As if shy, yet eager to whisper

That you were now ready,

Poised and resolute,

to bring forth and cradle a new life.

You flowered –

Thousands of them in clusters.

Yet only a chosen few

could hold on to you

And earn their rightful place,

Against nature’s unruly and wild embrace.

 

And soon popped tiny mangoes,

Little ones in green,

Cradling and clinging to one another,

As if defying gravity together.

Yet at times, a few frail ones

Lost their strength to ruthless sun,

Falling downward in silent surrender,

As if ravished of another dream.

But the rest endured and ripened,

Flourished under your love and care.

Imparting us a timeless truth –

That loss too is part of survival and growth.

 

It was a pure joy to behold –

Squirrels scampering along sprigs and boughs,

Halting to savour your sun-kissed mangoes,

Nibbling them in pure delight.

On your outstretched arms,

Birds chirped and sang.

Hopping lightly, fluttering their wings

Weaving softly in playful revelry.

 

Oh, my mango tree —

Queen of my garden,

You have stood through seasons

Teaching us patience.

From a tender sapling

To pride of our home.

Haven to countless beings —

In your shade we too have grown.

And in our hearts, you are rooted deep

A testament of love forever to keep

Through changing seasons, passing years

You are cherished in joy beyond all fears.

 © Anjana Premkumar 2026