Saturday, October 5, 2013

Inspiration: A Dead Tree

                                          Inspiration :

                                        A DEAD TREE


           I took a walk today.  I  was looking for some small stones for a project....I had already found two of the three I needed when I happened upon a dead tree, gray branches beside it on a heap.  My first thought was "maybe that tree should be removed and the spot cleared."  But the more I looked, the more I realized there was more to the story!  I will now try to show you a picture of the dead tree from a distance:

     


The more I looked at the tree (which I had thought was useless now that it was gone), the closer I got to the tree, I could see it in a different way.

Growing beside and all around the dead branches was another tree--a species I had not noticed before, all  entwined in the dead tree, 
all GREEN, fresh, clinging to the dead tree as if for support in its quest for life!  I will try to show you a close up picture:


Suddenly it seemed this dead tree full of life is a metaphor for life!  For a long time I have meant to start a scrapbook that features my grandparents, parents and myself.  But then, I thought, who would care to read it..
explore it
laugh..or cry?

Would it just be tossed aside after I am gone, appear in some antique shop someday?

The dead tree inspired me to think of the possibility that a grandchild or great grandchild might fall heir to the scrapbook one day and
actually
cling to its branches

looking for strength,
hope,
roots...
Maybe someday I can be there for that person in a very important way, even as the dead tree was there for the new tree which is trying to survive! 

Apparently, the tree has a duty..even after death...to stand tall and hold up the young!  I came across a great quote today, by coincidence (if there is such a thing): 

" Your proper concern is alone the action of duty, not the fruits of the action. Cast then away all desire and fear for the fruits, and perform your duty."~ The Bhagavad Gita

Once again I will vow to start that scrapbook!