Of Leaves and Branches

Of leaves and branches: 

it would be impossible to choose a favorite type of tree, each one offers such beauty and unique qualities only found in their particular branches. Every tree, regardless of type, shows its own individual gift that will capture our attention and imagination if we simply give it notice. As a child I was fascination by the white bark and texture of birch trees, having read of a natural oil it produced and being perfect kindling if a campfire was ever needed. During the great depression I had an uncle who operated a still for this oil and used it to support his family for heating and cooking. Beech trees too stood out with their bark, smooth white in contrast to their leaves that seemed to hold the deepest green in narrow strips. Of course willows would always be an attraction, more rare for me to see and I would have to travel to pond and streams to find them. My childhood belonged to woods and the adventures they held, exploring lots that seemed a wilderness to me then, and even now beckon for my time. 

everyday I make a point to join them, 

seeking company of leaves and branches. 

knowing that they heal.

these days, it seems the Black walnut tree grabs for my attention, scattered through my neighborhood and throughout the local woods, standing out by its tall rise and spread of leaves and branches. The black walnut will shape itself to its location, apart from other trees it has an early reach of its branches, closer to the ground, wider and offering a friendly shade. If found in the woods, crowded by other trees, it grows straight and tall first before it then spreads its limbs further. This is a shade tree, its branches offering a canopy of protection from the sun, as well as shielding me from rain amidst a sudden storm. 

every tree has a beauty of its own, a unique meaning and place within my heart and imagination. There are types of trees I've yet to see, so many found across the world - and yet there's no loss for me here, it's the trees I've known, having been comforted by their presence, that matter most to me now. That's the lesson of leaves and branches, that it begins root deep within the moment and then love spreads easily, naturally, from exactly where we are. 

with this, every tree seen...

is a favorite of mine. 

~

Peace, Eric