Describe a mango tree in the school yard

“Do you have any tree in your school yard” asked the curious Anil.

“Of course, we do have. There are quite a few” I replied proudly. Then I imagined the
giant mango tree where you will always see children sitting under for it has an umbrella
shape, providing shade to all of us.

From June to August, it is in full bloom. At that particular time, lots of humming bees
would come to steal the nectar of its flowers which have a sweet smell. When we are
only a few metres away from it, we can smell its fragrance and hear the humming sound
of the bees. Girls are very afraid of the bees and just avoid to sit under it during that
season. In addition, its flowers which while pollinated by the bees, fall on the heads thus,
causing them to bedraggle their hairs to remove them. However, the boys enjoy it and
like to hear the humming sound. After all, boys are fearless. Sometimes, we become
spellbound at its shape and size. As if he becomes a living person, calling us to share his
feelings. Only if we can understand what it wants to say.

Furthermore, in September and October, small mangoes start dangling in the wind and
some, which are weak fall during strong and violent winds. Then, all students forget
about the mangoes and start thinking of their coming exams. We are taken aback only
when it is laden with ripe mangoes in November to December. I had once tasted its fruit;
it is really very sweet and fleshy. But sometimes, there are also mango flies in it. One
should be wary while eating it or he will swallow and digest the flies as well.

Having a great importance in nature, all of us respect it. Its twigs are used in performing
our weekly ‘Hawan’ in the school. Its leaves also are used as spoons to sprinkle water
during the religious ceremonies. Birds cannot keep away from it, especially the
sparrows. There are more than ten nests on its branches in the morning and their twitters
are so common. We feel very gay when the birds sing and fight with each other in a
chirping language.

Unlike the ‘fir tree’ on the opposite side of the road, it does not sway when it is windy. It
is well-anchored in the soil and has stood there for more than fifteen years. There are
some creepers at its food like the ‘Kiss me quick’, ‘Lalliane pokpok’. There, it stands,
free from the creepers which will prevent it from getting enough of sunlight to
manufacture its food.

Many severe cyclones and depressions have come and yet it has stood them. It is said to
be a very powerful tree and that the person who planted it, himself was strong. Hope it
will be among us for years and years.

(488 words)