My Old Friend

Yesterday, I had occasion to be in my old stomping grounds in Northern Wisconsin. Summer heat has been upon us, but a cold front had passed through and the day was wet with rain, cool, and gloomy. By chance, I began to follow the path I had taken every day on my way to work, so I decided to stop by and visit an old friend that had given me pause for some deep thoughts during the last couple of decades.

This friend was a tall pine tree that was unique and full of character. When I came upon him (for I have always felt this particular tree was a "him") my heart fell into the pit of my stomach. Although I stood alone, I exclaimed, "Oh, no!" He no longer stood tall and proud (though somewhat bent). I found him laying on the earth being welcomed into the embrace of Mother Earth.

Saddened, I thought of the words of Paul Simon's song,

"Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence."