Stanley
The tree who knows everything
Stanley
There's a tree in my family's backyard behind our fence. It has been there ever since I was a little girl. During my youth, the tree would watch my brother and me as we rolled down its lush hill, clinging to each other like two little slugs. Covered in the grass and up to our ears in itchiness, we felt like Kings. The tree stood by happily.
The tree was there when I attempted to sneak out of the house one summer night. Mom and dad forbade me from seeing my boyfriend at the time, but teenage desire waits for no one. I crawled out of my bedroom window on a mission. I dangled there in total bravery. The tree was facing me, my back to it. He watched my escape plan, and I hoped for my freedom.
The tree has seen many things over the years- some more curious than others; he's tethered to his post.
He was there for every inextricable pain I could have never imagined. When I had my heart broken in New York City three years ago and was begrudgingly dragged back home to Maryland by my parents, I was rooted back into the same place I'd tried to flee. In the wake of my grief, the tree would console me with wisdom. I got lost in a maze.
I'm older now. The tree is still a saint. I'm still listening; all he asks is I remember to look up from time to time. Maybe he's been overlooked too.
His needs are where rich soil hardens, and ladybugs enjoy the shade of his leaves. Or a tiny child finds her way towards him only to prop her feet up on his trunk and name shapes of clouds passing by. So, despite standing alone, he knows the joys of comfort.
He makes friends with all the good neighbors and their far-fetched dreams. He can count on five fingers up to ten better than I can and is unprovoked by change.
He inhales and exhales with the same ease I didn't seek to find as a girl. Today is for the tree, whom it doesn't require much to be grounded, and tomorrow he will remain.
About the Creator
Selina Dudley
A writer based out of Maryland. Music is my first form of creative expression however I'm venturing into other forms of storytelling! I hope you enjoy my material :)
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Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins4 days ago in Fiction
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