The Lemon Tree

There was a gentle nip in the air as I opened the door and stepped into the backyard garden. The delightful chirping of the birds and the gentle breeze were soothing against a backdrop of the azure 

sky slowly turning crimson. This has become a routine now for many years.

The sight of two lovely ripe lemons that lay on the gravel added to the happiness. The lemon tree had been planted many years ago and had grown older with passage of time. It is like a parent that has nurtured us .What better tribute to my father who was born this day and had loved nature perhaps more than I do. He would take immense pride in showing the garden to the visitors and heaping praise on the quality of yield just as if the progeny had topped an examination. The sight of lemons in the morning is also a reminder that these fruit are a result of hardship and pain that a parent endures. The request for trimming the branches by the neighbors in winter months is painful as the merciless chopping of the additional branches is difficult to endure. The plant never fails to yield the fruit most times of the year, regardless of the trauma we inflict on it. A gentle sprinkle of water on its leaves and branches deposit small droplets of pearls that shine to make each morning a special one that raises the spirits. It is difficult to pluck the fruit without bruising the hands by sharp needles of thorns that surround it. The beautiful song sung by Trini Lopez best describes the beauty of the Lemon Tree. 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pd119jNCks)

The fruit was shared with relatives and neighbors who devoured it with equal glee. The endless flow of the fruit during the season helped in preparation of pickles, juice and chutney for the remaining months. One never feels lonely in such a pristine company.

The pleasure of tending to the plants and trees is unmatched.  It provides an instant connection with the divine. The swaying bushes and flowers with weight of pecking birds and bees are perfect stress busters. As the sun sets in the west the perfect calm returns except for occasional chirp of birds retiring with their families .The magic begins each day without fail with the break of dawn.

PS : Link and images kind courtesy You Tube and Google