111 Trees for Every Girl-Child
(An Ode to Kiran)*
a young girl’s life
……………………………….Kiran
transforms death
……………………………….Kiran
through rebirth
……………………………….Kiran
her divine manifestation
lingers
lives……in an oasis of neem
sheesham……mango……amla
from seedling
holds dear…..birthing
baby girls……budding like saplings
blossoming reforestation
into womanhood
growing girls……yielding
trees from shooting seeds
nurtured side by side…..girl-trees
flourishing in unity
ensuring their survival
villagers collectively
care conscientiously
cultivate joy in protecting
lulled sleeping lassies
planting Aloe Vera
around tree trunks
creations daughters
bloom from branches
flowering green with leaves
*In the village of Piplantri in Rajasthan, India, villagers celebrate new-born girls by planting 111 trees. This marvellous custom was started by former village leader, Shyam Sundar to honour the memory of his daughter, Kiran who passed away when young.
Ruby McCann is a creative practitioner who holds degrees from Trinity Washington and University of Glasgow. She has published work in publications, You Don’t Look British, Anti-Heroin Chic, Gaelstrom-1 Magazine, Invisible Cities, Poetry Scotland, Journeys, Word Rhythms, and many others. She lives in Glasgow, Scotland next to the River Clyde. Nature and walking inspires her writing.
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