Autobiography of a neem tree
I am large, grown up Neem tree, standing on the levee of River Indus in village Akil, Sindh, Pakistan. I can’t really remember who sowed me and when, but people say I was sown two or three decades ago by a villager. Beside me is a shallow body of water and next to it there is RiverIndus. As I am on up on a levee, down it are lovely fields and some other trees. I am all alone up here.
People often come and rest under me. Specially, cattle herders, people who graze cattle, like: goatherds, cowherds, shepherds, and buffalo grazers. In addition, people with their friends come and hang out here under me when it is hot day because they get fresh air as I am up as if on a hill.
I am strong enough to face the wind and rain. I love sunsets and sunrises. Every day I start my day with more enthusiasm to provide my service to human beings in the form of my dense shadow.
Many people in my life have come and gone. One person named Rizwan, has never left me since he started coming to me. Firstly, he used to come with some friends and hang out with them by laughing, joking and chatting, but now he comes alone with a pen and some papers in his pocket. He is quiet and kind. He gently touches me and sometimes climbs up on me to watch village graveyard and see the world from a distance. I appreciate his love and company.
Author - Rizwan Ahmed