At the River - poem by Robert Wadsworth Lowry

At the River

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide for ever flowing
by the throne of God?
Gather at the river!
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river,
Yes well gather at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
Shall we gather? Shall we gather at the river?

Robert Wadsworth Lowry

Evergreen Western Ghats

"Since humans first utilized wood for fire, tools and utensils, certain trees have held a special significance as both practical providers and powerful spiritual presences. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic areas, but those held to be 'sacred' shared certain traits in common - unusual size or beauty, the wide range of materials they provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even today, certain trees capture our imagination. The majestic oak, the ancient yew, the evergreens we bring into our homes each winter - all are reminders of the power that trees can have in our lives."

Jennifer Smith, Sacred Woods and the Lore of Trees

Banyan Tree in Kannur

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself."
- John Muir

This huge Banyan Tree stands in the compound of the Kannur Science Park

Trees' afterlife

While alive it was a haven for birds and small animals. Birds came to nest and eat the fruits. People came to rest below. Its shade was the coolest thing in the wild. Now its fallen. Its life is over. The last energy left is being imparted to the fungi. Photo from Kuruva Island

Western Ghats and Trees

Western Ghats is a long mountain range almost 1600 km long in the south western shore of India. Thick green vegetation is the first thing to be noticed in this region. These mountain range stops the clouds from the arabian sea to produce heavy rains and is one of the most raining places in the world. This tree stands in a forest in Brahmagiri mountainrange in Kerala. Standing like a king with all forest background I liked this one very much

Golden Shower Tree

In Kerala, this is the official state flower. Flowering in April, at least one tree can be seen in most households.
During the Vishu festival marking the harvesting season in Kerala seeing this flower first is considered auspicious. The roadsides during April will be a sight to be seen with kaNikkonna, (the Malayalam name for this tree) yellowing the roads. Some medicinal properties of this tree can be seen here