.. a tree was planted when I was born. It didn’t look like much of a tree, I must admit. There was nothing tree-like about it, it was just a seed in the ground. I couldn’t see it anyway, so it made no difference to me, as far as I was concerned there was nothing there. Even if I could see it, I didn’t care much for those kinds of things, I just wanted to eat, sleep, cry and be carried.
My tree grew, broke forth out of the ground and became a tiny plant, it still didn’t look like a tree, but at least I could see something and it looked like it was becoming. I grew as well and became a tiny bit less self-centred, I could at least reward my overworked carers with some smiles in between my endless demands. I could also make strange sounds but most importantly I could play! I played with my little plant, touched it gently, and cooed at it, but I got bored easily as I was not allowed to smash it around or put it in my mouth.
My tree became a sapling and I became whatever it was I became. I still couldn’t rough handle my tree but I was more aware of its presence. It is my tree and it is always there! I look at it and I talk to it. I think I like my tree.
My tree is growing some more, and there are some ‘things’ hanging off its branches. The ‘things’ got bigger and bigger and … then one day I was told those ‘things’ are fruits, they are ripe now. I can pluck and eat them. The fruit from my tree was sweet, juicy and succulent. I was delighted. I love my tree.
My tree is older, stronger and sturdier, I can climb up and sit on the branches which can now take my weight. My Dad made me a treehouse and I have so many wonderful memories of fun in the treehouse.
I left home and went to college but I always look forward to going home, amongst other things I knew my tree would always be there. As I do the washing up and look out of the window, there is my tree smiling back at me.
My tree is growing gracefully and beautifully. It provides the most amazing shade. From time to time when I am home, I get my blanket, a nice pillow, a good book and something delicious to drink and you will find me under my tree, in my little heaven, sipping my drink, reading my book, just having the time of my life.
My tree is taller and older, with some strong, long and straight branches. I have a hammock on my tree and what moments I have enjoyed! rocking gently as I observe nature and reflect on life!
But today, my tree is old and unwell. My tree has to come down. My tree came down! I am doing the washing up and I looked out of the window but there is nothing to see. I took my blanket, pillow, book and drink out, but there is no shade to lie under. My hammock is sitting all curled up sadly on the ground. I felt lost!
I picked up my hammock, stared up and looked to heaven. “What am I to do?” I ask, “there are other trees” the voice came back. “Other trees!” I exclaimed. “But another tree(s) is/are not my tree, I do not know the other tree and the other tree does not know me, there is no connection, no history, yes no history between us. The other tree is ‘strange’. How can I lie under a ‘strange’ tree and tie my Hammock to a ‘strange’ branch?” I ask.
The voice came back again and said, “maybe I can plant a new tree” “plant a new tree!” I exclaimed again. “I am 50, yes 50! Who plants a new tree at 50?” I pondered. Moreover, I will be a 100 before the new tree reaches the same stage as my old tree. My tree was seasoned!
With my blanket, pillow and book under one arm and hammock under the other arm, I walked slowly indoors as I ponder my choices.
Maybe, just maybe I should give up on trees and stay indoors, I thought. “No one must ever give up on trees!” the voice came back to me.
Beautiful Ivory 