The Flame Tree

As I sped down the dusty lane
The gulmohar caught my eye.
The flame tree, in its scarlet splendour
Waved me a flowery goodbye.

It seems like yesterday
When we had gathered in its shade
In the evenings after school
And on every holiday.

It stood tall and resolute
Weathering rain and shine.
A silent witness to our lives
Laughter, joy and pain.

Early spring burst in bloom
Laden with fiery red.
Come autumn, brown and bare
The very last leaf shed.

It lets go, and tells us too
That moving on is part of the plan.
It is not the destination,
But the journey that maketh the man.