STRANGLER FIG (Wurgende Vijg)

For centuries I stood tall
Saw empires rise and fall
Gave shade and shelter
Provided autumn splendour

One day you appeared at my base
Insignificant, a tiny lace
Holding me tight
You reached for the light

With the sun on your head
You started to prepare my dead
You branched out, embraced me like a friend
But strangled me at the end

Searching for foods
You penetrated me with your roots
Your desire to shine
Consumed me to my spine

You took my place very fast
But being hollow, you are of a weak cast
When a fire sets in
Flames will eat you from within

Your remains will rotten
And you will be forgotten

An open spot is left behind
A nursery for others of my kind