The Tree

Viewing from the distance, it is not easy to identify an old tree by the tennis court at the AIT, but it’s probably one of the deciduous tropical tree and, certainly, it is not an Old Oak Tree of growing on the Green Green Grass of Home nor weeping willows. It looks sad, exhausted, tired, skinny, and helpless due to the severe summer heat. Every person who possesses nature-loving instinct, will feel pity for this tree. I believe that it is the worst time of a year for this tree. According to the Natural Phenomenon, each and every living organism has its own life cycle. The trees also conduct year-round cycle.

In the normal course of event, in summer time, some trees shed their leaves and then a few days later, small buds start to appear here and there. Within a fortnight, new leaves are rejuvenated and the trees turn into bright pale green canopy looking fresh and young. Subsequently, blooming of flowers follows and that moment will be its most beautiful time of its life. Time goes by and trees bare fruits, then the fruits are ripened and dispersing. At the favorable condition, the seeds are ready for regeneration. It can be called the end of its cycle or the beginning of the cycle — whatever, however you think it is. It is the life story of trees.

An old tree by the tennis court at the Asian Institute of Technology. I really love to watch this tree in-between tennis games. It looks so sad in summertime as leaves would fall out and lively again with all the green swaying leaves during the cold season. It does give us shade during tennis matches when the sun is in its strongest.

The end of February and March is the threshold of summer time in Burma and various kinds of trees and shrubs are flowering in full swing. Exploring into the forest this time is wonderful and romantic as all the plants, small and tall, trees and shrubs, climbers and herbs, bear flowers in various colors. The tiny ginger (Zingiber barbatum) are growing like a sea of white flowers in sandy ground among the undergrowth while the wild jasmines of several kinds are dancing in the breeze. You can see, feel, smell, and listen to the sounds and sceneries of the natural environs.

Obviously, looking above, you can notice the unique beauty of orchids (Dendrobium spp) of white, lilac and yellow as they are dwelling on the trunks and crotches of tall trees. What a marvelous and splendid scene it is! This is the loveliest time of the year at countryside in Burma. By looking at the picture of an old tree, I presume a good lesson for me that everyone has his ups and downs, and it does occur in plants as well. However, an old tree is suffering from the severe heat of summer, it will have a good time in rainy season. Likewise, we are now facing the impacts of the global economic meltdown, but don’t worry man, a Happy Time will come here again, certainly! I do believe in the Natural Phenomenon. — Hank Kyaw Sunn.