The Baobab Tree
A Japanese version of the poem published in the book, "Soccer Grannies" by Jean Duffy. On an hallowed spot at home, Stands a tall, mighty baobab. Steeped in myth and legend With a hefty girth, Thick, and wide arms. It stands bare in the rainless moons But is cloaked green with the showers. From every house, it calls us; Girls and boys, men and women The old and the young, The nimble and the slow, Birds, bees, beasts, and bats. To all and sundry it welcomes With food, sweetness, and shelter. In its arms; shrouded or naked, Or under its shaded bare ground, We play, we laugh, we rest, we court. Read: Village Boy Impressions - The Seasons at Home In the rainy season, the baobab tree is usually cloaked green The baobab tree stands bare in the dry season For the fresh nourishing leaves Our mothers fight the caterpillars. And for the lip-smacking nectar, We wrestle with the ...