spring2015

Ashok NiyogiBo Tree ObituaryFicus religiosa – fig - Bo treeFrom bodhi– the enlightened.“…of all trees, I am the Peepal…” 1Young Peepal need nourishment.And get it anywhere.My terrace Peepal’s roots grew down our sewage hydrantIn hot humid companionship,Fetid intercourse that would finally lay waste,And devastate discourse.Existentially,John Doe has seven chordate leavesWith sharp elongated tipsOn two stunted wiry branches.No fruit - not green, not purple,No exuberance,Status quo anteThrough dust and hydrant must.Now this hydrant must go.Grey plastic will replace cast ironNo more rust, no more lust,No more heat, no liquor amnii,No illusion, no lie, Bo tree will die.The mason refuses this uprooting chore.His religion forbids murder.He suggests I should recruitOther murderersTo kill you, tree.51