BAOBAB

This poem about the Baobab tree was posted on yourdailypoem.com April 22 in recognition of Earth Day.

Ancient one, you have watched over a hundred generations of my kind. Your ugliness is softened only by bird nests that hang like pendants, and greening when the spring rains come. You are an oasis in the desert. You pocket water in hidden cavities for thirsty travelers, who make lemonade of the powder in your seeds and drink it to calm their ailments. You are the eternal shelter to all creatures. This morning school children gathered in your shade for lessons. Tonight a leopard will stretch across your loins and sleep. - Edward Hujsak