I remember
that first day when I felt the sunlight on my leaves, as a seedling, everything
was brand new and exciting. As I looked around, taking in so many things, I
remember seeing my closet neighbors and wondering what their lives had been like.
Wondering what lies ahead for me. My first spring was here, and the flowers grew
and bloomed all around me, the bees, so busy and always in such a hurry. I
remember the magic of birds singing and of that first butterfly that landed on
me. My smile was as big as I can remember, and my world was perfect. Then summer came and it was so hot, and I
didn’t know how anyone could make it in such harsh heat, and at times my thirst
was overwhelming, but my neighbors provided me with some shade. I think it saved my life and then came autumn.
I watched as their leaves began to drop off, some landing near and on me. I
wondered why. Had the heat been too much, after all we were now in a much
cooler time. Then I watched as my own leaves began to die and I did not know what
was happening. Soon the snow started falling, it was so beautiful, watching
those flakes landing, their journey between the branches above me. And then, it
got so cold and the wind, pushing my branches in all directions, it was too
much for me, so I closed my eyes and went to sleep hoping that I would feel the
warmth of the sun again soon. This repeated for 120 cycles.
Now I am the
tallest tree in this small forest, and I’ve learned those neighbors were my
family and that one, now long gone was my mother. I have many children near my
roots, but sadly, they will never grow strong there. It’s the seeds that get
further from me that have the best chance to grow tall. Over the years I’ve
learned how to let any of my branches snap off to allow those below me to grow
tall and strong although my aim is sometimes off. An acorn that fell from me 75
years ago and washed about 50’ from me and is now my closet friend. We spend
our days telling the other what the other cannot see. Deer and mountain lion
roam here, although usually at different times of the day, as well as
everything from skunks, squirrels and an occasional human. The scariest moment was
when a forest fire came about 42 cycles ago. Humans started it and other humans
stopped it as it rapidly advanced up the hill, but not before countless others died
from the heat and flames.
Over the cycles I watched a cabin built from a distant cousin of mine rise up in the meadow, and farmers workied the soil. I saw the cabin grow in size and a new family move in, I heard them laugh and cry for most of my life until they moved away. It was sad at first, spending so many summers with their children exploring my branches, telling tales of pirates and love, but I am content listening to the birds and squirrels, seemingly playing in my branches. When spring came, I awoke to loud crashing sound like I’ve never heard before, it was not like the thunder that visits in the winter, this was not pleasant. It was a machine crushing the cabin. I was saddened that the family would now, never return. Then came more machines, loud and pushing smoke like the fire into the air, they cut deep into the earth and made roads and soon bigger houses appeared, perhaps built from my families backs. Soon the houses had new families, with children running and screaming, not like the old family. But none came to climb in my branches. When summer returned so did the machines, they cut into the bark of my remaining family, killing them, I watched as they fell to the very ground that they grew from. When they took away my 75-year-old friend, sap began to ooze from me. I braced myself to be taken to, but they stopped. Soon mud from a machine put a rock like substance on the ground and a new house was built. It stood about 40’ from me. Now I am surrounded by a wooden fence where the nicest children play in my branches. I know that at best, this may last another 50 or so cycles, so, for now I am no longer alone but I still long for my forest family.
6 comments:
The life of a tree so beautifully recounted and shared Scott! I do believe trees have a spirit and specialness that should be preserved and respected. Sadly this story is true to life so many times over. Just this morning on my way to work, I saw another field of trees down and I know they will put in another shopping center in the name of greed. It is awful and it makes me angry and sad. Thank you my friend for this story that gives trees the life and voice they deserve. Always glad when you participate at the Muse!
This is beautiful and sad. Trees have a shorter life span than they used to. Where I live, in the last of the old-growth, they are falling - more and faster - than ever. Each thump on the ground, when a giant falls, hurts my heart. This piece meant a great deal to me. It is always wonderful to read lines from someone who loves and understands trees. Thank you.
The life a tree told exquisitely. When the wind knocks large branches off of my sycamore, it feels like little deaths.
Thank You Carrie!! This story has been inside me for a few years, mostly written and waiting for its end. Thanks to you, I found it finally.
Thank you, Sherry, I agree, trees should be protected from progress, humans should coexist, letting the peace flow freely from such amazing forests no matter their size.
Thank you Purple, I understand that!! I had a huge cedar that lost its top 30' last winter and had to come down, with much sadness I allowed the arborist to remove her. This winter, each time I place her remains in the fireplace I offer her thanks for the warmth she continues to provide.
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