A Tribute to the Narra Tree

At home was a Narra tree so tall
with lush green leaves hanging on its many branches.
Little birds came to visit everyday
chirping in chorus. I often saw them from my bedroom's window.
Such freedom in their flight!
Came January of every year, the leaves of the Narra tree falls
until there are none left hanging there.
But in May, the green leaves appear one by one, and in no time
the Narra tree, stood tall and proud and green once more.

Who's got the right to cut down the Narra tree that has grown so tall up to this day?  It was already planted there when we settled in our home. Twenty-eight years ago, I hugged its trunk and my hands could still reach each other.  But today, it has grown so wide my fingers wouldn't even touch if I try to embrace it.

Because of its location and height, however, it poses several issues.  A strong typhoon may uproot it and block the street, cause damage to electricity wires, and some parts of our home and our neighbor's. Its root system can lead to breaks in the walls of the neighbor as well as ours.  The falling leaves also often get stuck on roof gutters.

It was once decided by some individuals in authority to cut down and kill the Narra tree for good. Such heartbreak! No! It has stood there - proud and tall, enjoying the visit of the birds, swaying with the wind, basking in the warmth of the sun, and glorying in every drop of rain - for such a long time. It is even older than me, and probably, my parents.  It would be such a shame to cut it down, unreasonable even.  But since the issues were also very real, the good Kapitan of our Barangay deemed it best to cut the Narra tree, but not down to its roots. The leaves and most of its tall branches all had to go, but the tree will live.  Its height had been reduced in half, but it will continue to live.  Soon it will grow small branches with green leaves. Soon the birds will visit again.  Soon I shall hear them singing from my window.  ;))