I’ve lived here for decades. I was young myself, when I arrived with a young and expectant couple. I remember how they used to fuss over me as they made sure I had enough to eat, and got my daily dose of sunshine. I grew and flourished because I was wanted, and loved.
As a youngster, I enjoyed eavesdropping on the couples’ intimate conversations as they sat nearby. Sometimes they picnicked with relatives, caught up with neighbours or had wild summer nights with friends. Oh, the secrets shared!
It was a privilege to welcome their children into this world. Days were filled with constant chatter; children laughing, puppies yapping and kittens meowing. They all vied for attention and I swelled with pride.
It was a pleasure to bring them joy and fill their days with wonder. I hosted pollinators in spring, and invited seasoned vocalists all year round. I danced wild to the rhythm of wailing wind for their amusement but warned them off during summer storms as I swallowed lightning. All these creatures gave me life and I sustained theirs; a mutual love.
But Mr Commercial has no appreciation. He now calls for my head as he approaches with a bulldozer to uproot me once and for all. Because bottom line is what matters, nowadays. Such is life!
process note: These memories (220 words) are written for Telling Tales with Magaly Guerrero: a Pantry of Prose, and are inspired by the prompt, From the Point View of Trees.
My childhood home is no more. Where it used to be, stands a giant chain store. But gum trees are some of the trees we had at home. And the term “Up a Gum Tree” is sometimes used to mean great difficulties. I’m not a hardcore environmentalist but I believe nature is in great difficulty as human destruction increases.
p.s. It’s not a gum tree in the featured image, I suspect a fern. From all the trees in my collection, I couldn’t find a gum tree. Just goes to show…
