It would be seemingly odd to write about the death of a tree. However, for a couple it was more than a tree. The cashew tree that they had in their garden had sentimental value. Her husband had picked up a seed from a roadside tree, which she had sown, and before they knew it, it grew into a majestic being. Yes, she call it a being as it almost spoke to them with countless birds perched on its branches chirping away the glories of God. The fruits that it yielded were a remarkable sight, which they would use to make juices and wines. It was up there for 19 years and they did see some branches withering but they did not make much of it although it was treated. They saw lush green leaves and flowers filling up the tree which gave them a sigh of relief but our joy was short lived as the fresh leaves and flowers started  drying – all of them and starting falling one by one without giving them time to do anything about it. It was indeed an emotional sight for them to see the leaves falling from the tree until it was left bare. A tree that yielded countless yellow fruit year in and year out keeping them on our toes for the better part of 3 months each year – for 19 years – was standing there only with the branches. The birds did notice it and they would still perch on its branches and sing an obituary suiting their beloved protector, which kept them safe from rain and the scorching sun. However, the tree has now allowed other plants, which were there below it to grow and flourish almost saying that because of it, the others were choked but they could now breathe freely. They will miss the tree and are hesitating to cut it down. They will have no other alternative though as if they do not do it the gushing wind will soon make its appearance and do its job devastating the area around the tree. Some things have to be done much to the sorrow they will experience…