Another tree

I seem to be focused on trees. Not just any trees, but the ones that seem to me to have worked hard, often in difficult situations, and have reached maturity and beyond. Their struggles are visible in roots, trunk, and limb. Yes, I understand that I know little about the science of growing things in general and trees in particular. So perhaps I’m making up a story here.

Still, when I come upon this beech tree, which I do often, I have the feeling that it is feeling its age, that it has been battling a series of human and natural incursions. It seems to have had limbs pruned and the curve of the lowest branch suggests other trees were removed.

And yet here it stands. Oh, how I wish I could understand, rather than imagine, what the life of a tree is really like. Walking among them and listening with my heart - maybe that will help.