The Ginkgo and the Great Gardener

On November 5, 2024, after preaching at the Asbury Seminary chapel service, I had the privilege to participate in the special fall communion service, conducted by Dr. Jessica Lagrone, near the iconic Ginkgo trees in front of the seminary. Twenty years ago, as a student at Asbury, I admired these trees and they continue to hold a special place in my heart.

These trees inspired me to write this poem – in classical style, which I prefer – reflecting on the various seasons a Ginkgo tree goes through each year.

The Ginkgo tree, often called as living fossil, is one of the oldest tree species in the world. Appreciated for their beautifully structured leaves that change colors over the seasons, the Ginkgo stands as an apt metaphor for life itself.

This poem was written during my sabbatical at Asbury (June – December 2024) while experiencing a double transition: one as Board member at Asbury Seminary during the Presidential transition, and the other going through my own transition from the role as Principal of South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore, India. I hope this will be a blessing to all of God’s children, particularly those navigating uncertain times and unchartered terrains of life.

The Ginkgo and the Great Gardener

The Ginkgo tree at Wilmore’s Asbury;

Seen scores of years, yet nature couldn’t bury.

A living fossil, can grow for ages;

Each season, the story gains new pages.

Horses gallop, cattle graze bluegrass blades;

Oh! Sweet memory of sunny summer fades.

Glistening green leaves turn golden yellow,

Soon fall to reveal bald tree, sans the glow.

Barren branches – swift runs the hour glass –

Like skeletal hands of gaunt hungry mass,

Lift high to sky. Still, the scarred Ginkgo stands;

Willing to weather winter’s harsh demands.

Snow, sleet, storm – all of nature’s icy blast,

Sting naked Gingko. Yet, this truth steadfast:

Creator – who restored Genesis ‘fall’ &

King’s springtime ‘fall’ – will revive Ginkgo’s fall.

This ‘fall back’ to ‘spring forward’ metastory –

Life’s final transition – awaits full glory.

With transformed healing leaves, in new Eden;

I, the Ginkgo, will hear Great Gardener’s “Well Done”.