The dust of time has settled on my leaf,

The dust of years heavily laden with grief.

No monsoon rain can wash me clean,

No summer sun can give me back my sheen.

I stood the tests of earth, holding to my roots,

I saved all the zest of spring for my offshoots.

Till you learn to reach the root I will hold your branch,

Till you learn to spread the green, my leaf will not blanch.

In your shinning reflection I see the hope for tomorrow,

In your swaying motion I see vanishing waves of sorrow.

When my last leaf will touch the ground without any noise,

Remember, here once stood a tree, with deep strength and poise .