MARCOS GOMES-CATÃO As all of us are aware, the Govt. of GOA succumbed to the greed and pressure of the Real Estate mafia and declassified the Coconut tree, decreeing the eventual death of thousands of them that were the joy of our childhood, icons of the image and culture of our country. I am availing of that sad occasion to reproduce a tribute paid to the tree some time back,with the twin aim of reviving fond memories while providing food for thought on the destiny and destination(?) of our country under its current dispensation. Coconut Trees To far-off coconut grovesWhen young we were wont to roamFor the awaited monthly harvesting,One of the many vital mainstaysOf the old manor's daily sustenance. It was so heartening to watchPlanted young saplings sprout and spurt,Shooting up sleek and slenderWay up in the air, straight or bended When they were old, nests like Xmas stockingsWould hang impishly upside downWith flights of noisy sparrows brawlingAnd soft-feathered nestlings warbling. Every year their yellow green frondsEnriched our Palm Sunday mornsWhile their dried plaited leavesShielded us from the tempest breezeAnd the raging monsoon gusts. And how could we, of yore, have keptHouses a mite more spick and spanWere it not for their leaves' lean spinesBundled together in an utilitarian bind? Without their lowly, manifold husksCould we, of old, have baked the many-layered cake? 1And, at weary day's setting dusk,Looking forward to a relaxing sundowner,What could replace the fabled draught? 2 At break of dawnThe “rendeiro” 3 with scythe drawnWould hop up their smooth, shining sidesNotch after notch, with ankles by cords held tight'Climbing to the crest of sparse foliageTo pick the precious earthenwareHe'd left behind the night beforeTo garner, drop by drop, the divine nectar4That is the pride of the land,Leavening our singular festive bread5That's our fill with unique pork fare. 6 We hailed the ubiquitous coconut tree,Priceless jewel of our beloved countryBut now harvests are slowly dwindling'Cos newcomers are subtly filching.Folks have now come in with much experienceLiving and labouring with itchy fingersAre we then also to look ahead with trepidationAt the not impossible eventual evaporationOf our much loved, inherited libation? 1= Bibinca2= FENI (local alcoholic drink)3= Man who specializes in climbing the tree to collect the drink4= Toddy (Sur)5= Sanna6=Sorpotel
