THE TAMARIND TREE
By Roland E. Williams
Although your bark was not more than a few years old
Your shade was grand as you proudly stretched your limbs
The fishing boats stood silently side by side every day
Happy to catch a snooze after an early morning out
That was oh-so-many years ago; hardly anyone could recall
Then hardened and matured, and you there strong as an ox
The shade you gave was full like the leaves you bore
Just a few boats remained and one half-done one as well
Drying themselves side by side on some breezy cloudy day
That was not all that many years ago; some can still recall
Your bark was bursting from its seams trying to renew itself
And the shade you gave was now filled with spots of light
But the men could all see to play their game of dominoes
While puffs of smoke whirl up and away into your embrace
That was just the other day; even I could easily recall
Now your bark is almost gone as you stand only half as tall
And there is only a memory of what once was your shade
The boats are no longer there nor are the men
They’re all out getting drunk and wet on rum again
While I stand here trying my darndest to recall
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