I have always loved trees. I liked to climb them, lie down under them and watch the leaves moving, the birds jumping from branch to branch, the limbs swaying, and the sky and clouds beyond. I loved the varying colours of green, the cool shade that was provided. The grounds of the first school I went to was full of old trees, mainly mahogany ones, with thick trunks and roots spreading all over the play area, and beyond, ready to trip you up if you did not look where you were going. I loved the art days when we were allowed to go outside and sketch, or the fine days when we could take our books outside and have a class in the open air. I also loved when my teacher would take us on walks ‘to the Casuarina Trees’ on the outskirts of the school. The sound of the breeze blowing through the huge cluster of trees was rather like the sound of the sea echoing in the distance and it was a very peaceful sound. The trees had been there a very long time. They looked old, but comfortable and comforting. Tree trunks thick with rough, peeling grey bark, and upwards the long pine needles of the Casuarina shaking gently in the wind. I longed to climb one, but I only ever climbed the almond tree in my own garden. It was a large almond tree, and over my growing up years I would often climb through its limbs and relish in the freedom of being among the birds and creatures of the tree tops. I sometimes swung upside down on a branch, or just sat upright and enjoyed the birds eye view. I liked being alone with my thoughts and my active imagination.
I love nature, helped, I’m sure by my early school days. the vibrant colours, sounds and sights, everything intricately designed for a specific purpose. I love to see the trees change colour in autumn, although it doesn’t happen here. Where I live there is one main season, but being surrounded by ocean, we get the benefit of the changing tides, and all that comes with the warmth year round. God, our amazing creator, responsible for all of it.
Sometimes I long for those innocent, carefree Casuarina tree days.
Today is Day 19 of Prison Break of Thoughts – 31 Days of Inner Release, that I am writing for #write31days challenge.
The Tear Stealer 