When I was a little girl there was a tree that grew near me
I recall asking my Mom about why this tree looked so different from al the others near our home
My eyes always drawn to how it would bend in inviting ways, without sharp corners or rigid lines
Its smooth exterior skin exposed from coarse bark
My child wonder could not help but run my tiny hands along its surface
I would sit on my patch of grass looking at this lone tree, admiring its whimsical ways and open nature
It was an Arbutus
As shared by my Mom this one in particular was very special
For the Arbutus usually don’t do well too far from the ocean
This one did though, a lone, strong Arbutus living far from its desired home yet gifting me with its beauty
I would pay extra attention to the Arbutus, proudly telling the tale that it was a very special treat for us have in growing where it did
I sat at the ocean edge today admiring an Arbutus
It reminded me of my childhood memory
Filling myself with the salt air I thought of my strong roots and the Arbutus that grew so well even in its less than ideal surroundings
I thought about the beauty in its exposed ways, how it lives in bend and curve, never with rigidity
The salt of the ocean offering it nourishment, healing and growth
Maybe the Arbutus that lived near me would have thrived more so living near the sea
It seeded before my time and flourished long past my childhood
During that time it continued to grow and extend its beauty in its unique way
What made it so special to me was that it managed to do so when so many thought it couldn’t be
So many years later and I think I understand why I came to know
The story of the Arbutus tree
~Alisa Hutton
This would make a lovely children’s book.
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Thank you, Keithe. Funny, as I was writing it that thought crossed my mind. My professional background is in education and my next little writing venture is with a artist friend on a children’s book:)
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Alisa, that is terrific. I hope it is a fruitful partnership. Keith
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We have similar trees growing by our ocean here and I find their red bark a beautiful thing of nature and a always drawn to look at them as long as I can when passing by. Life through the eyes of a child…nothing can compare.
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They really are magnificent. I love in the quiet moments in me where I can look at the world through the eyes of a child. I quite believe that we see the most important aspects of life and our journey when we can be there. Pure eyes and heart I suppose.
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Alisa,
This feels like a wonderful allegorical story that probably resonates with many writers who feel this deep connection with something that seems to have been existing long before us and will exist long after. Wonderful.
Steve
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Thank you, Steve. What a kind and wonderful comment to read:). I really appreciate it.
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It is a pleasure, and it has been a pleasure seeing you around my blog. I look forward to continued sharing.
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