Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I have always loved trees. I love their strength, their flexibility, their determination to survive, oblivious to the poverty of their surroundings, heedless of the injustices which are heaped upon them. Day in and day out they stand silent witness to the goings on of our lives. They offer shade to sit beneath when we are tired and beauty to stir our hearts when we are sad. Most of all, they are our friends, stalwart companions in a transient world filled with love and loss, triumph and disappointment. Poet Ilan Shamir offers this in his “Advice from a Tree:”

Most of all, they are our friends, stalwart companions in a transient world filled with love and loss, triumph and disappointment. Poet Ilan Shamir offers this in his “Advice from a Tree:”

Poet Ilan Shamir offers this in his “Advice from a Tree:”

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots

Enjoy the view.

 

Posted on October 26, 2004 by Carmen K. Sisson tagged Alabama, trees, Tuscaloosa