Perspective

I’ve been putting my attention lately on the tops of trees. Maybe it’s a reaction to spending so much time with my nose in tree bark, which haw been my recent focus. Especially in the winter, without leaves, the smaller limbs at the tree top make complex, graceful patterns against the sky.

Now, as some trees begin to flower, the view of the limbs is more likely to be obscured. What I can’t see of the tree’s skelton is replaced with a view of the emerging buds. The baby flowers lend a hint (or in some cases, a riot) of color, especially to the newest, thinnest, top-most growth, which is more visible.

I walk now with my eyes looking up (hopefully avoiding obstacles!), looking for a mix of colors and textures and shapes as complex and invigorating as what I’ve found in my details of tree bark.

Ultimately, the truth is: we are surrounded by unspeakable beauty and the closer we look, the more of it we see.