Out on a limb

A dim foggy view appropriate for misty eyes searching for a clue.

Surprising to see the great diversity on board here: pining, palming, Southern scenting, and staunchly standing.

Immigrants to the coastal prairie once dominated by native grasses.

Brought their own customs and traditions:

Like a sticky sappiness, sharp pine needling: garb discarded without a thought of the raking hardship their annual dumping creates.

Like their snapping brittleness: an unexpected folding over cars or houses when pushed too hard. Can’t pine for that.

Like the mushy trunks after a freeze: tropical fronds no longer finely waving across palms.

Like the broads with overpowering summer fragrance: reminiscent of  belles strolling under plantation magnolia canopies

Like the draping branches from crown to ground: imitating long-haired beauties sporting acorns as eye candy.

Shoved out those indigenous grasses now only cherished as “heritage groups” in sanctuary zones.

No reservations there.

How kind to let sleeping grasses lie.

(It’s only a weed if grown in the wrong place or in a recreational state.)

Someone’s bothered to take out the trash

One man’s trash is another’s treasure.

One man’s weed is another’s taxable product.

One man’s truth is another’s joke.

A little bit of local amusement.

Branching out, trunks may lean left or right.

It has nothing to do with political agendas.

Trees are slow to embrace change.

Though they do move whichever way the wind blows.

Mostly it has to do with the kid across the street is learning to drive. (one in the front)

Or hurricane force winds catching a crown and giving it a toss. (one in the back)

Didn’t your mother tell you to stand up straight?

But trees are bound to have a thought.

They reach for the sky just like people.

Their lack of uniformity apparently irritating for some.

Kidding right? (No, not yet. Soon these may be big enough for climbing, swings, and tree houses)

So the question is messy?

Homeowners simply uninformed on the correct rules for tree loitering?

The barks’ off.

A shaming letter arrives from the Homeowners’ Association. (From the HOA – just makes your day!)

“Your tree isn’t straight.

Stake a response or prepare to be grilled.”

What exactly is the correct position for a tree to assume? (Should a yoga master be called?)

Has anyone informed the trees they are out of alignment? Defective?

Do the trees even care?

Probably radicals.

Probably determined not to assimilate or get along.

Determined to do things as THEY wish – not trying to fit into norms or Yard Nazi standards.

Not getting with the program.

Free spirits of nature or immigrant troublemakers?

Trees of the leaning variety have their defenders:

After all, they are good citizens and are growing in place trying to make a new life. Trying to improve the neighborhood.

Some whisper: “They were dragged here without being asked. How fair is it to criticize them?”

Purists of nature sing their praises, “It’s natural! They are trees! Let them grow free!”

Realtors, clutching contracts and comparables, urge ” Uniqueness is desirable. Value added!”

Oh, who’s got time to battle those picky? Just pound in a stick and make-believe.

Some are too busy – just don’t need the stress.

Yeah. that’ll make them happy – and they will leave us alone!

Easier to play make-believe than tell the emperor he’s got no clothes?

Oh, that would be too easy.

Barking up the wrong tree, really.

Too much support makes things weak and dependent.

Giving showy false support is not good for growth either – even the smallest cord can strangle or become in-grown.

And there’s the danger of tripping or entanglements in the dark.

(Oh, so not talking about people here. Trees, remember?)

Besides it’s not right to insist all conform and leave their heritage on the grounds!

God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods.  But he cannot save them from fools.  (John Muir)

Sometimes ya’ gotta grow a stand,

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Some Great Tree Quotes: 

A tree never hits an automobile except in self-defense.  (American Proverb)

We all travel the milky way together, trees and men… trees are travellers, in the ordinary sense.  They make journeys, not very extensive ones, it is true:  but our own little comes and goes are only little more than tree-wavings – many of them not so much.  (John Muir, Scribner’s Monthly, November 1878)

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The next best time is now.  (Chinese Proverb)

Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money.  (Cree Indian Proverb)

HEY! Read Michael Ghirardi’s comments about his family’s traveling Ghirardi Compton Oak tree. (in comments section)

Grown accustomed to your shape.
Grown accustomed to your style.
Our fair lady.