‘
.
.
Many years ago, a sturdy sapling stood tall, reaching for the sun, soaking up rain and steadfastly resisting the wind.
In time the stout sapling became a tree. An oak tree.
As successive generations came and went, children climbed its branches. It played host to birds that wove intricate nests amidst its twigs and leaves. Couples carved hearts and initials into the bark, declaring their love for one another.
Squirrels scampered up and down, brightly painted woodpeckers rat-a-tatted away, busily creating hollows in the mighty oak’s trunk.
From the coldest winters to the hottest summers, it took everything in its stride, never failing to produce a canopy of the greenest green with every new spring and a palette of striking colours with the onset of autumn.
*
A child gathers a handful of acorns from the ground. In a few days, the tree was to be felled, making way for a cluster of new homes.
In the years to come, one of these tiny acorns will become a mighty oak that his children and his children’s children will come to love.
.
Written for The Unicorn Challenge which is hosted by Jenne Gray and C.E.Ayr.
Keith's Ramblings 
Absolutely heartwarming story. Beautifully told. I am sorry the tree must be feld like so many in this world. Thank you for ending the story with a message of hope.
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Thanks, Suzette. I’ve always believed that for every one felled, several should be planted.
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Yes, absolutely agreed, Keith. Earth is a garden.
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I so hope so, lovely story
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Much appreciated, thank you, Beth
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We are losing many trees in my neighborhood. It makes me sad to see them go.
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I know the feeling, Patricia.
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A beautiful story Keith.
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That’s really kind of you Sadje, thank you.
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My pleasure Keith
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Other than tree farms grown for wood products there needs to be a moratorium on cutting trees down. Trees are our lungs. Without them we die. OK now on to your story 😉 Loved it and love your appreciation for our cousins, the oak.
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I quite agree Lisa. At least tree farms replace those that are felled. We need constantly reminding just how important trees are to our well-being.
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Lovey story Keith
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Thank you so much, Di.
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You’re welcome (sorry about the absent ‘L’)
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Hmm, you’re becoming more pensive these days, old pip.
I guess homes need to be built, but with a bit of effort (and expense, which is the deal-breaker) they could work round great trees.
Neat story, sir.
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I have my moments CE!
I totally agree with you regarding giving more thought when building in areas which have been home to trees for many a year.
Fear not, normal service will soon be resumed!
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The cycle of life, beautifully told, Keith.
If trees could talk, we’d think twice about felling them.
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My thoughts too. Thanks so much, Jenne.
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A beautiful story, my friend. Touched my heart.
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That’s kind of you Nancy, thank you.
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… (I mentioned it in another Comment, but), banish that pensive mood, pull up M. Night’s ‘The Happening’
Good story. Cycle-of-life yo. (With unfortunate push from ‘kill-it-all-for-profit’.
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