solace in trees

from the open field
to the canopy of trees
empty chair waiting


oo0oo


escaping the crowd
granny opts to find solace
trees for company

A few meters away from our fence is  a neighbor's talisay tree. Just like a few other trees, acacia and mahogany among them, a talisay tree sheds off its aged leaves periodically. From a thick canopy of green months ago, colors dramatically change as the dry season ushers in.

Yesterday morning, pausing from my walk around the house and looking up, a spectacle of reddish brown leaves, some in intensifying shades of orange, met my eyes. I stood  there for minutes,  magnetized by what I thought was a beautiful sight to capture in my mind. Not long after, with just a soft whisper of the wind, leaves started to fall. The next minute was a magical moment. The wind blew harder and leaves came cascading down - dancing, hugging and kissing other leaves, seemingly enjoying their freedom, before finally touching ground. What a sight to behold!

Looking at a balding talisay tree triggers poignant memories of my teaching stint in The Big Apple. How I used to be mesmerized by the magical panorama of trees bragging of multicolored leaves during autumn - a scenery that never fails to create stirrings in my soul.

thick and green before

now shades of brown and orange

is it autumn here?

oo0oo



"time has claimed our youth"

the leaves comfort each other
new life will begin

oo0oo

letting go

Have you ever felt the pain of letting go?

This morning, after days of deliberation in my mind, I finally gave in to an advice from a friend - he being a consultant on plants. Fruit trees in our backyard stand so close to each other. Some have to be sacrificed.

The creaking sound of each trunk as it surrendered, helplessly, to the sharpness of the ax summoned memories I have long buried - the agonizing pain of eternal separation. I really felt sad as I watched the trunks slowly fall to the ground. Having been there for years, giving me the needed shade when I walk around at midday, I surely will miss them. But the thought of seeing the remaining trees glow with life dispelled every bit of reluctance.

Goodbye pomelo! Goodbye jackfruit! Goodbye calamansi! The space that used to be your dominion is now a void. Your twins are here to stay and they are now starting to rejoice. The leaves are smiling as they see the rays of the sun coming through. I can almost hear their laughter.

my heart bleeds a bit

as fruit trees come falling down

such sweet sacrifice


oo0oo


letting go of few
 other trees can burst with life
the heart is consoled


oo0oo


fruit trees left standing
don't miss their neighbors now gone
the sun they can claim


oo0oo

trees tower so high

leaves hunger for the sun's kiss

will each get a share?