Elegy

The giant camphor tree—

my old friend in the park is gone,

I used to walk around its base 

in the evenings 

enjoying its majesty 

and its fragrant perfume

It had been there for generations 

taller than the surrounding trees

it soared up to the sky

branches stretched out wide

like a giant green parasol

casting a generous shade--

a haven for birds and squirrels 

a cool resting place for people

But someone must have feared

the potential threats

from the vastness of its body

and its raised roots 

that cracked the roadway

One day I saw workers arrive

they started to sever its branches

sawed its trunk into blocks

then split them into wedges

Soon the tree was gone                         

only its roots left exposed, 

a strong camphor aroma 

lingered in the air for days

The workers came back again

they dug deep to pull the roots 

then poured cement over the hole,  

the tree and its lovely scent 

became a memory 

Now people pass by

walking across the concrete

unaware it is a grave

where roots lie buried 

denied their chance 

to rise again 

into a towering beauty

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States