Ode to the Narra Tree

Trees for Peace

Ode to the Narra Tree*

Dr Abe V Rotor

Author savors the sweet fragrance of narra blossom. San Vicente Ilocos Sur.

The Siberian High brings you to rest;

Summer heralds your blossoms’ birth

Into a kingdom regal and blessed

That reigns over a parched earth.

You greet the sun with garlands of gold,

And draws artists to paint and draw;

And children from the city to behold

The beauty of your flowers’ glow.

Sybil’s ghost hangs, flowerless you stand,

Your pods in pendulum motion

In the wind, and falling to the ground

To start a new generation. ~

*Pterocarpus indicus is a species of Pterocarpus native to the Philippines and other tropical countries that constitute the "tropical rainforest belt". The plant is used as folk remedy for bladder ailments, diarrhea, dropsy, headache, stones, thrust, and tumors of the abdomen. Narra leaves contain flavonoids which are antioxidants. Narra wood is highly prized for its quality as furniture and classy paneling. Cutting down of narra trees is strictly prohibited in the Philippines and other countries. Narra is now classified under the list of threatened species. Narra is the national tree of the Philippines. ~