The Talking Tree

A tree slowly grew from soft forest ground. Up toward the sky she rose, taking in the rain and light of each new day. Stretching from the earth she sought new heights. She spoke to the bird saying “here, sit on my branch and find shelter in my leaves.” The soil gave her strength, and her body grew wide and powerful. The wind no longer bent her like it once did. To the squirrel she said “find shelter in my body, and take my fruit for food.” She grew old and wise giving shelter to the creatures around her. She said to herself “this is the purpose of life, that I might give life to another.” She became tall, and weary. Her leaves had turned color so many times, and the snow had worn her year after year. She knew that she would not live forever.

Soon enough, the day came when the tree fell. She lay quiet on the forest floor; life had passed from her face. The animals of the forest were full of sorrow, but they did not weep for the loss of their home; they wept for the loss of a friend.