I Found the Trees

Or rather, I discovered them as the light from the sun began to fade, leaving only the crystal clarity of the day. Walking closer, I noticed the fraying nature of the bark, curling in on itself, tattered and worn from the elements and wind. Ashen in color, like the cooled embers of a campfire, this bark was cracked and peeling. In some places, the aging bark had fallen to the ground, finding its way home, back to the earth.

Some places where the ancient bark had fallen were being replaced by new growth, by new life. Old meets new and life goes on. There was a lightness, a freshness to these spots…a creamy, coffee brown meandering down the trunk.

Sturdy pioneers, holding the earth down and giving it shade. Me, walking with the dog and finding refuge in that coolness, a respite from that summer sun.

But tonight, it was the trees, I found. Or perhaps they found me. Stretching up to touch the sky and digging their roots down into the earth.

Call to Action: Find your space of refuge. Where is it? What is it? How does it make you feel?