From a distance the two trees looked like one. The smaller, light green leaves of the Neem, merging with the larger, darker coloured leaves of the banyan. The branches were intertwined- locked together in a divine embrace. They were one, it would be impossible to tear them apart. And yet, though close together, their trunks stood apart, maintaining their separate identities.
The Neem tree is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. Her consort, Shiva, is said to reside in the trunk of the Banyan tree. Were those two trees a representation of their Union? Did they personify a successful marriage?
Beautiful - very pure and spare writing. I love the imagery both in the writing and the visual - lovely.
ReplyDeleteRayna - Khalil Gibran wrote this of marriage: "Aye, you shall be together...but let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of heaven dance between you...And stand together, yet not too near together....the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful 'photo and this wonderful Drabble made me think of that...
Beautiful story and imagery!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful metaphor!
ReplyDeleteThe inspiring metaphor brings these trees into human form and gives way to so many wonderful stories. As always, a great drabble.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
Lovely drabble. It made me reflect on my marriage and all the various relationships in my life. Great symbolism!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's!
That's amazing the trees have thrived together!
ReplyDeleteAnd God said the two shall become as one...
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! I really thought they were one tree until you said they were two. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a very intriguing way to see these trees.
ReplyDeleteI too thought of the Gibran words when I read this. It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased I now know the significance of a Neem tree. I think they were mentioned in "A Suitable Boy"
This is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI found the cut stumps of two trees, one almost molded half-way around the other. It made me sad, somehow, to think the died for their closeness.
Your drabble is just gorgeous, and many-layered. You fold the spiritual, the human and nature so elegantly.
ReplyDeleteSuch excellent writing - and storytelling. A high art.
Beautiful pictures and idea.
ReplyDelete@ Margo - thank you so much. The trees are real, as is the story I was told. And I do think the beauty is in the story itself.
ReplyDelete@ Margot - those are such beautiful lines. I am honoured that my drabble made you think of that. Thank you.
@ Debra - thank you. For some strange reason, I did think of you when I was told that story. You and one other person I know.
@ Fiona - thank you. When I was taking the pictures, I was wishing the trees were more intertwined - would have made better pictures for sure- but this is a better metaphor.
@ Mason - thank you. The tree are actually symbolic of the two gods in Hindu myth.
@ Chary - thank you, Chary. And you too.
@ Diane - apparently many temple complexes have the two trees growing together. Found that out only after publishing the drabble.
@ Alex - apt. Except, these two ARE gods!
@ Oddyoddyo13 - from a distance they do look like one, don't they?
@ Mary - Hindu myth. I was only told the story.
@ Sue - thank you. It is an honour to be compared to those words, which are among the best ever written.
@ Tricia - that is so sad. Did one smother the other? I hope not.
@ KjM - thank you so much.
@ Dorte - thank you.