In passing

I walked down to Montford Park this morning, as I do most mornings, to read, meditate and journal. As the park came into view, I saw a beautiful 60-foot pine tree that had lain down on the tennis courts.

Ironically, I have sat on the [nearby] bench and admired the beauty of her and wondered how she stood so tall and strong on the angle that she was perched.

I find peace in knowing that no one took her life: that she just let go—no violent death by chainsaw, better yet no decision was made by anyone else as to how and why her time had come.

So alas (did I just use that word?), her decision was made to lie down as peacefully as a huge pine tree is able.

I’m quiet with this as I sit and ponder what all this beautiful pine has endured, seen, outlived and felt.

I cry as a truck rolls by with a large power saw on the back of it. The emotion surprises me. I mourn for her as the busy world rolls by; they do not notice that a dear old friend has lain down for the first and last time.

If trees have souls (I believe they do), I am sure that the spirit of the universe swoops them up and welcomes them as their just reward for a job well done.

Power and order will be restored. Life goes on!

— Connie Thornberry
Asheville

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3 thoughts on “In passing

  1. chuck

    Yeah, montford has been losing a few of it’s big trees. people need to plant more to replace them

  2. nuvue

    It is sad when a tree succumbs
    I have two large maples that are dying cuz of drought and power line trimming brutality for too many years. But I will replant two new trees in their place (or more).
    The continued drought is the worst I have seen in the mtns. for my short 52 years….

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