No More Tree
Yesterday, I lost one of my favorite neighborhood sounds.
It was the rustling leaves of a cottonwood tree across the street
in my neighbor's backyard. The tree was so tall and the leaves
so big that I could hear them from across the street. It was a
lovely addition to early morning meditations on my front porch.
I had wondered from time to time why such an often troublesome
tree was allowed to stay. Cottonwoods are not strong trees
and can lose multiple limbs in even the mildest of storms.
In addition, the female variety produces a cottony seedpod
that can blow all over the neighborhood. The male variety
produces pollen, a real no-win type of tree.
So it was no surprise yesterday when I saw a local tree
service removing the tree.
However, all is not lost.
Another Sound Maker
For, a little farther down the street is another
rustling cottonwood tree. It's further away so I don't
hear the leaves as well as the other tree, but I can
learn to listen more intently. Also, rumor has it that
the wife won't let the husband remove the tree
since it's the only large tree in their front yard.
My little neighborhood drama reminds me to appreciate
the beauty that's always around me, if I just remember
to be attentive to it.
It also reminds me that nothing is permanent.
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