The Spruce Trees 1
A Story about coming of age in Vermont 2
Treading through knee deep snow, all the while we are3
traversing upward to the imaginary place a bit higher 4
on the mountain where there waits a perfectly formed5
spruce tree which, when found, will give it's life to spend6
a few brief moments in our home as the holidays approach.7
I follow as closely as I am able placing my feet in his giant 8
footprints. I have only an axe to carry and his hulk has the 9
wind fairly well blocked from my face, but as we trek along I can10
but wonder why we pass so many trees to find one so far 11
from the house. Especially I think it foolish to climb this12
hill at all, since there are so many trees just a stones throw13
from the front porch.14
"What about that one, just over there?" I wonder silently,15
for I know better than ask out loud, having been scolded16
a time or two on other treks when he was questioned as17
to why we must do this or that in the way he wanted it to18
be done. He let me know there was a "reason for everything"19
and that "someday I would understand" and that was the20
end of it for now. As we trudged on past some more fine 21
trees, I wondered when "someday" would come around.22
"There she is!" he suddenly exclaimed and I looked in the 23
direction of his extended hand and saw what looked, to me,24
to be the image of so many trees passed on the way. Oh, it25
had a lovely shape all right, and even with pillows of white26
fluffy snow clinging to the branches I could see that it was27
going to make a fine place to hang bulbs, and lights and that28
Angel on the top. I set about catching up those last few29
steps as he knocked the snow off.30
As I reached to hand him the axe, I saw a strange, but not31
unpleasant, look on his face as he asked me " How old are32
you now son?" "12" I said, and before I could say even33
one more word, he handed back the axe and told me I should 34
chop this one down. "Me?" I startled myself that I had35
said this out-loud, thinking almost immediately that I may36
have opened the door for a bit of a lecture. Instead, he just 37
smiled and said, " I bet you wonder why we climb up here38
to get our Christmas tree each year, don't you son?"39
To say the least I was flabbergasted, but after what seemed 40
like an eternity, I answered. "Well, yes. Why don't we get41
one of those trees by the house?" Was I pushing it? I42
threw in my question without even a second thought. 43
His smile turned into a broad grin as he said, "Well son, you 44
see, for every tree I have cut off this mountain I have planted 45
a new tree down near the house. Your Grandfather did the46
same thing when he was alive, and his father before that. That47
is why we have so many beautiful trees near our home."48
About a hundred whacks later with that old axe, the spruce tree49
was lying on her side. "I'll carry the axe." he said as he handed 50
me the rope tied to the tree, and without another word he made51
a track in the snow for me to follow as we headed back to the house.52
Christmas seemed a bit different for me that year. Oh, there 53
was the usual excitement of decorating, the smells of goodies 54
being baked, all those presents on Christmas morning, but I 55
started spending a bit more time out on the front porch with 56
a fresh new way of looking at the spruce trees lining the creek 57
in front of our home. When spring finally arrived, I found the 58
perfect spot and set about planting the seedling spruce tree 59
Dad had given me. My six-year old brother went with me and 60
wanted to know, "Why are you planting another tree? We have so 61
many already." I Looked at him and said. " There's a reason 62
for everything and someday you will understand.”63
Del Warren Livingston (c) 200164
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Doc,
I take that as a very high compliment, my kind friend. Glad you liked my true story and thanks for taking time to read and remark on it.
Cheers,
Del -
You are a gifted man Del,with a special way with words
Doc -
Thanks Margaret,
This was one of my earlier attempts at short story writing. I agree there is room for improvement, but rather than do a lot of editing on this one, I plan on trying to do better in some future writes. I have a lot of stories to tell about Vermont, Morgan horses, and some of the adventures my life has taken me on.
I appreciate your keen eye and kind comments. With good people like yourself around, I am bound to show improvement and I thank-you again, most sincerely,
Cheers,
Del -
Heartwarming
This is a lovely story. What a wonderful way to remember your father, who seems stern, but kind. I enjoyed the full circle at the end.
Some of the wording could be tightened up a bit, I noticed the second "all the while" in the first paragraph, and had to comment. I'm wondering whether more imagery would help the story or not, I can't tell whether it was day or night.
My older son is just that age now, when he can handle some responsibilities, and he says, "who me?" I think your father was a wise man.
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Yes indeed pallid,
Although at the time, I recall it being a bit of a drudgery for us all, (I am one of eight children)the restrospective view is most pleasant and the good times such as the Christmases are very fond memories. Thanks for your kind remarks.
Del
Edited on Aug 15, 10:28 p.m. because '(sp)'. -
Very nice story you have here. It sounds like you have fond memories of you're childhood!
The form of writing was well done. It reminds me of going out christmas tree scavaging (though I've never got to chop down a tree) I'll let you know about the results of the contest a.s.a.p. Thanks for entering
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Thank-you Playmez,
Cool, crisp air is a mild way of describing those Vermont winters...lol. I saw a lot of days at 30 below zero when I was a youngster...and now I live in the desert and don't miss it at all...well...maybe just a wee bit, but not enough to go back in the winter time.
Thanks again...you're a very kind individual.
Del
Edited on Aug 14, 8:58 because ''. -
Thanks Hazza,
Your kind remark has lifted my spirits this am. I appreciate you for reading and commenting.
Regards,
Del -
This was nicely written and very vivid in minds sky.
You painted the cool crisp air with all the effects of the season. Nicely done!!!
Many Blessings
Flaymez
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wow thats a stunner its so well done. good job!
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