Initials

Here on plots of land, rooted deep within the soil, outstretching boundlessly into the skies, lies me and others like, that usually cease to die. Sure, we do things that you know, like provide oxygen and support for wildlife to grow. But did you know, that our thought for you, goes way beyond the converting of CO2 to O? Trees experience emotion, just as you, in fact, they have a little something to share - that might surprise a few.

There I was, standing very tall, in a sort of valley, near fields where I could hear kids kicking soccerballs. Deers frolick across wooden bridges, overlooking mini waterfalls where dogs try to dig ditches. I grew taller and taller each season, leaves changing and falling, knowing I was there for an even bigger reason. One day, there came a time, when a young love picked me out and placed their initials on my spine. Written R and I, standing for, Rachel and Ian, dating for five years and forgetting about reason. They laughed, they hugged, they played amongst my leaves. I was surely hoping that their loving energy would never leave. They always came back, when the air was crisp and winter was near, admiring their initials and how they did not fade - even after all these years. It filled me with so much love, until one season I realized, that they did not show. I was a young tree, I simply did not know. That when couples place their initials on me, not all are as everlasting as my bough.

Many seasons came and went, and my dear friend, that is when I realized not all things are as resilient. Years passed and the time felt stagnant. Sadness and pain riddled me to my core. So much so, that I unknowingly wilted to the tree that lived next door. I imagine, I felt just like them, the pain of heartbreak - wondering, "where on Earth have they been?!" Each year, I still stayed strong and carried on, with the support of my trees to lean on. The sorrow passed and I started to recognize the sounds of the kids playing soccer and the deer frolicking, yet again. This field finally started to feel like home even after my branches have been bent.

Days came and went, and along came a couple, with wrinkles just like me. Then, I realized it was the same couple, me and the trees always see. They come every Sunday, for the last thirty years, always hand in hand and smiling ear to ear. They pointed me out and carefully laid out a blanket. They sat with me for hours, reminiscing on their time, like I was being given secrets about love and about life. They seemed tired and wrapped up their night, but before they left, they pulled out a small knife. They asked for my permission and I responded yes with glee, knowing these two sure were meant to be. Carved carefully was an A and a D, standing for, Alice and Daniel, lovers since 63'.

Little did I know, it was Alice's last night visiting me. Daniel came back every Sunday for the next two years still sitting under my canopy of leaves. He still loved her, that I could tell, because he kissed my bark where her initial was spelt. If I could wrap my branches around him I would have, because I felt a sense of sadness in him that no one should have.

Time goes on and now I see, you humans feel so many emotions, just as we. I wish I could tell you how much we are alike, and how these initials impact our life. Growing wise, I now recognize, these initials can be fleeting and with that - I gladly take the love that's given and honor it even when it is leaving.