The Final Analysis

Walking on the winding road
That stretched endlessly
His footsteps faltered a bit
There was a catch in his knee

He sat down right there,
Having weathered many a storm.
He thought back through the years
At the struggles undergone

He had protected everyone
from mother to siblings;
struggling alone through life
hiding his pain in his work

Youth was a blur - he had
toiled from one job to another;
put himself through college
and made a home for his mother.

Sheltered his siblings from pain
and saw them come up in life;
finally, middle aged he was
when he found himself a wife.

As friend, neighbor, father
he was kind to everyone;
Smoothing people's way
Mr.Protector he'd become

And one day he wondered
'Who is my protector?
A person who would think
that I too may need help?

A person whom I can lean on -
who would do a lot for me...
Is there such a one, who would
live to protect me?'

His wife was his dependent;
Siblings and children were grown;
They were sympathetic to his battles,
but busy fighting their own.

As he lay fighting his last battle
remembering events one by one;
He couldn't help wondering
why Mr.Protector was always alone!

Suddenly the woods cleared
And a blinding light shone through
A voice rang loud and clear -
Son, why the sadness and tears?

A banyan tree needs no umbrella
Nor a roaring lion a protector;
Some are born resilient - by
the design of the maker

The banyan spreads its branches wide -
giving shade to everyone; it
bears the brunt of the elements -
A tree second to none

Spawning other trees - the
banyan is a symbol of strength.
Look closely - and in it you will see
an element of divinity

The roaring lion stalks the forest
Its strength unquestioned;
Walking regally with confidence
Its a symbol of majesty

So arise, my son! And
perceive your full height
Do away with your gloom; for
you've lived an exemplary life.

So the great tree was laid to rest
Mourned by birds and travelers alike
And the silent forest paid mute tribute
To the passing of the brave lion