by Larry Spiro
Bamboo and Oak were neighbors in the forest. One was a mighty tree of size and beauty. The other is a big culm of grass. Pics are from Stillwell trails.
Bamboo was a healthy little sprig that flourished with dew and breeze.
It grew to great height and had brightly colored stems and iridescent leaves.
Between its familial growth a mighty oak tree began to grow.
Oak’s branches widely spread and bumped and rhythmically swayed to and frow.
Bamboo was nudged by Oak’s branches and Oak’s leafcluster as Oak grew and covered bamboo’s sun lustre.
Bamboo faded to brown and thinned as the breeze and the light were slowed and dimmed.
Oak grew wider and taller yet, and its crown swayed with natures course untrimmed.
Oak was a magnificent tree with roots firmly planted crowned by the light blue white sky.
Oak shaded Bamboo and the droplets of rain barely reached Bamboo’s roots by and by.
One winter’s day a wind came to the forest and grew and grew in force.
Oak’s leaves were leaving when a great storm had begun which strengthened without remorse.
Oak had endured penetrating storms many times before.
It stood tall and firm and its roots were deep in the earth’s floor.
Bamboo was unimpressed by natures firefull display and did not have any problem with winters way bending under the blackout sun then the storm howled Oak was challenged by the force obsessed to leave nothing at rest Bamboo surrounded Oak as Bamboo is made of many stalks it shielded Oak absorbing the fierce power of the wind and hail but Oak was losing to natures ferocity as the wind gained velocity Bamboo leaned against the oak as It fought the wind and the sideways thundersnow Oak’s roots began to lift and Oak could not resist it was no use the storms grip proved unrelentless and Bamboo could not protect the oak the storm gripped Oak slammed it to the earth Oak moving spasmodically then quietly on the ground And there it lie in a hush it’s time to die.
Spring.
The sweet melody of the forest returned, and Bamboo stood tall in the enjoyment of nature’s source.
In the distance around the culm, Oak trees were lying on the reclaiming earth, resting inside nature’s course.
Bamboo reached for the sun’s warming rays that shined out.
Where the oak once stood, from a little acorn, a tiny oak tree began to sprout…
Sisters by Ethan Bell
Sisters by my side both near and far
Laughter like sunshine a guiding star
Through every storm they hold me tight
With love that shines forever bright
In moments of joy or when tears fall
They lift me up they catch my fall
A bond unbroken through thick and thin
Together forever where we begin