The Coconut Tree
My head's so high it meets the sky.
My round fruits are named "cocos."
Some birds fly here to talk with me—
Red treepies, crows, and drongos.
I'm often found on beachy ground;
In houses' backyards, too.
But climbing me can prove to be
A risky thing to do.
Unflinchingly, I stand and see
The town all day and night,
Just like an art admirer views
A painting with delight.
You may define the leaves of mine
As "planks" because they're strong
Enough to be a cowshed's roof
And definitely long.
Sometimes I'm bent to represent
A slope or half-crooked "J",
But mostly I'm upright as if
A tower's on display.
Each ring-like spot my body's got
Helps climbers safely climb
To reach the top and get the fruits
When they're still in their prime.
These young and green, round fruits have been
A great source for man's strength;
Just have their water and you'll stay
Brisk through the daylight's length.
My round fruits are named "cocos."
Some birds fly here to talk with me—
Red treepies, crows, and drongos.
I'm often found on beachy ground;
In houses' backyards, too.
But climbing me can prove to be
A risky thing to do.
Unflinchingly, I stand and see
The town all day and night,
Just like an art admirer views
A painting with delight.
You may define the leaves of mine
As "planks" because they're strong
Enough to be a cowshed's roof
And definitely long.
Sometimes I'm bent to represent
A slope or half-crooked "J",
But mostly I'm upright as if
A tower's on display.
Each ring-like spot my body's got
Helps climbers safely climb
To reach the top and get the fruits
When they're still in their prime.
These young and green, round fruits have been
A great source for man's strength;
Just have their water and you'll stay
Brisk through the daylight's length.
This poem is copyright (©) Shamik Banerjee 2025

About the Writer
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik Banerjee is a young poet from India. He resides in Assam with his parents. His poems have been published by The Society of Classical Poets, Sparks of Calliope, The Hypertexts, Snakeskin, Ink Sweat & Tears, and Autumn Sky Daily, among others.