I have learned in Texas, that an ideal parking space has nothing to do with how close you are to your destination, but whether or not you are parked in the shade. 1
At our home, in Texas, there are four scrawny trees growing in the back yard. They dapple patterns of light and shadow creating a lovely mosaic on the grass. They look like big bushes to me, but I am told they are trees. When we moved in, five years ago, the Realtor said that they were oak trees. I grew up in Pennsylvania, I know oak trees. Oak trees are tall and straight, and the fruit of the tree, an acorn, sits in a little cup until it's brown and ripe and then it falls to the ground. 2
THESE ARE NOT OAK TREES!! 3
What I found out was that they are called live oak trees. These trees grow all over southern Texas and the deep south states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia (where it is the state tree). They are often seen laced with Spanish moss or mistletoe. 4
The most unique thing about these trees is the way they grow. The picture shows the fascinating way they mutate. It reminds me a lot of our lives, and how different we all are. Each limb takes a different path, and it twists and turns among many forks along the way. Some are large and others are small. Some have knots and scars and others are smooth and straight. Each branch is fragile on its own, but as a whole tree, it is strong and can withstand many a hurricane or tornado. We are all like that. We need our friends, family and people who love us to hold us up in times of turmoil. With God and family and friends, we can withstand whatever the world throws at us.5
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 77 of 77
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I see I'm the first to visit in a while... but not the first to be touched by your words and the images they create... like ripples in a pond, may your words continue to move and spread and to remind those who come by of the strength in unity and the need for all to belong.
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I've never seen a Live Oak tree- I live too far north. I'm glad that I read this and was introduced to their beauty.
I always have had a thing for trees. Both my mother and I are mad photographers. She tends to take pictures of flowers, but I am drawn to trees- the twistier the better. I have countless photos of interesting 'tree skeletons' that I've taken over the years.
I remember in particular, a tree near my grandmother's house in Montreal. It's the closest thing in appearance to a Live Oak that I have ever seen (and is among other things a fabulous climbing tree...) I've taken pictures of that tree, I've sketched it, painted it... I've tried everything, but it's impossible to capture it quite the way I want to. It's larger than life and cannot be contained. You're story reminded my of that tree.
Thank you. -
Cheryl, this is such a love analogy of how life is. I have never been to Texas. but the sandy ground reminds me of the desert area in Oregon where I grew up. There were cottonwood and locust trees and lots of sage brush. I hadn't thought about that old locust tree with it's chandelier white blossoms in years. My brother and I had a tree house beneath it's lacy green canopy where we played for hours. Thank your for bringing back that memory with this lovely write!
Karen
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I grew up in Texas. In Live Oak County even...and I do love these trees. Some of them are the misshapen trees, bent by the wind, like the ones in the picture. Some grow very tall and are every bit of a tree as any you've seen (except those of the Redwood or pine variety). There is a live oak tree on Texas A&M University's campus that is so old they call it the century tree. It is big and tall, but it has limbs that sweep the ground...beautiful. Many a young woman has been proposed to under its branches in this very shady spot. I, too, love the way these trees grow, but they are not all small. Some of them, in fact, most of them deserve the name, "tree." Smiles. Beautiful write.
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A pleasure to read like all of your writing. All of the applause above is a tribute to you, lots of friends encouraging a wonderful friend. Mmmmm, how far is Pennsylvania; I might have to travel there to see the tall and straight oaks with ripe acorns. Reminds me of how fruitful the oak trees have been around here, giving us ground covered with acorns... like how fruitful you make your life, loving, sharing, encouraging, making the most of life.
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beautiful
'With God and family and friends, we can withstand whatever the world throws at us.'
that is my favorite part. a beautiful ending, because it's so true. loved this story. i went to texas last april for a bible quiz competition, but i didn't see any live oaks... guess i was in the wrong part of texas! we have some trees like that over here in va though. i love sitting in them. but as i said, loved the story! very true write, my friend.
-meg- -
You got me thinking there with this one Cheryl, inspired yet another poem too, I had to leave this ones ending open to nature and reader though. Dear me you’re sincerely most welcome of all our thoughts. What’s a little time or prayer cost us all if freely given from hearts that care. God Bless
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Best wishes
I love to think about trees and how they grow, so your description is right up my alley. I had no idea that live oaks are not like the white or red oaks we know farther north, and like you, I would have gone looking for acorns. Of course this is not the point of your story, but I like it anyway.
I have found in the storms of my life that I cannot make it through by myself. Thank God for the caring people around me, who have helped me to think straight and who have eased my heart. In Genesis, in the creation story, it says "It is not good for him to be alone." There is strength and resilience in community, however much we may admire those who stand alone.
Blessings to you, Cheryl, may this be a better year!
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wow.. i'm sorry but I didn't view this as poetry at all.. I viewed it more as some kind of movie i would watch in biology. I'm not trying to be mean.. But it's not the best.
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Stunning, powerful and BEAUTIFUL!
Cheryl,
A beautiful poem that lights up the heart and soul. You have written here something so beautiful that it reaches out to the heart. Beautiful is the word to describe what this poem means to me. To really look outside at what Mother Nature creates is mighty powerful and captures the true heart of the eye. I mean to really look at what is there and to write from the heart... something this beautiful, priceless!! I never knew about the live oak trees. I only thought there was only one... the tall trees that you first described. It would be lovely to see one grow here and to withstand anything. Now that is a powerful creation that Mother Earth made. If only we could hear her words and stretch out our arms to hold them in place from our fellow humans... she would like to see how we try, I assume. I might be going in too much detail here, but this is how I truly feel. I still wish you could see the beauty out of my window right now.
Enjoy your Christmas and make it extra special. Love you, Cheryl -always and forever.
With lots and lots of love,
~
Kalen
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I love this!!! It's such a beautiful piece, filled to overflowing (in this case out reaching) love and compassion. It really is special.
My Dad is from Texas and when you began contradicting the authencity of an Oak Tree, I knew exactly what you were talking about. Growing up in Oregon, we had lots of huge spreading oak trees all around us..real ones, so when we visited Texas when I was about 10 years old and saw the 'live oak trees' .. I also thought they were not really oaks. They had moss hanging from them ...pretty cool looking but NOT the oak trees I was accustomed to.
Anyway.. about your story, it has such a nice feel to it, like real life put into words. Your comparison to our lives is right on. I enjoyed this very much
Happy Holidays
Dee
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I honestly wondered where this was going when I started reading it. Slightly confused was I. But that last paragraph was amazing and very poetic. A great simile. So true also. Life has its twists and turns and is all different, etc.
--Medea
((I didnt relize those were live standing trees at first. I'm from an area that has tall straight oaks too.)) -
what kind of trees are they then? these trees look cool,but there just trees. I poet can write about anything he/she chooses to. I knows some poets who write about rocks or moss ok?I could write aboit anythint and you have chosen to!
nice job, I likes the description
-stay in touch, comment my poems, I promsise to comment yours!
-Holly "trueblues"O'Donnell -
loverly, really!
i luv it. very poetic, even though its not written as poetry. i love oak trees. to me, they symbolize all the life through the ages. they are holy trees, in that they are so old and magestic. -
Lovely
Sequoias are the largest trees in this world and they survive, like us, with roots that intertwine in such a way that when the storms come, they survive...together. Both anaologies are wonderful. I love trees, so I had to read this. It turned out better than I anticipated. Thank you. Peace Through Love in a tree. ET -
neat...(they also grow in South Carolina
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hm...............interesting story, ts nice but i'm not captivated by it. i'm sorry, i mean im not trying to be rude or nasty or mean or snobbsh but i am just not moved or impressed by this peice. that doesn't reflect anything off of you mind you its just my opinion. please don't be insulted.
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smashingly good
I agree, Cheryl,
"Nice" definately matters more than most realize. There is a time and place for harsh critique, and knowing where and when is half the battle, while HOW is the balance of it.
Your introduction to the Texas Live Oak as a prelude to some choice words of wisdom is well thought out and indicative of the kind and passionate heart you possess. I applaude you for sharing this with us.
May your Holliday Season be as peacefull and joyfull as the occasion of a hen Quail seeing her chicks emerge from their shells.
Many Blessings,
Del -
omg, tearry eyed here. The way you used live oak trees in a sense to symbolize us that one tiny branch alone is weak but when you got the root and the support it can like you said,withstand anything. Thanks for sharing this piece, I really have to show this to someone I know to give them hope which is exactly what your piece did,keep up the good work.
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I have bookmarked this. It has a special meaning to a close friend of mine. Thank you for writing it. You did and excellent job! Bless you! I know he will love it!
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This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful tree. Great metaphor!
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Your writing reminds me of Annie Dillard's writing. You start on nature, some random but carefully chosen characteristic- then you turn it around to say something about humanity. very nice. my favorite line was the first one. cheers, kat
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Awesome poem, Cheryl. I really enjoyed reading it. It's very inspiring and I'm going to add it to my bookmarks. Well done, my friend. I was happy to write for your daughter.
-Michelle
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that is interesting, strangly interesting. that picture is cool, kinda amazing...
~later -
i have a strong liking for the oak tree. there's a ghazal i wrote called "Acorn" which assumes the voice of an oak. in my mind's eye, it was the live oaks of ventura county, where part of my childhood took place. those trees are a little further into the subtropics where they tend to grow much larger and stronger for some reason. in the poem "Acorn", i had this tree speaking for all the oaks (the spreading and the sprawling oaks alike). i'd be curious what you thought of it now that i've read this essay of yours.
Edited on Dec 23, 9:52 because ''. -
I love how you describe the individuality of the trees, very beautiful idea. Also, a positive and motivational last line. Great job.
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Very very true. Nobody could have said it better. I guess we can relate our lives to many living things put here on earth. I enjoyed reading this Cheryl and appreciate you sharing with us. As usual it was well written, well presented and leaves an impact with us. Thanks again hun...Steven
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Beautiful, and so true. Best wishes to you and your family, m'dear
Cheers,
~Tal~ -
beautiful
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Great poem
I like oak trees..and i especially like this poem. -
Loved it
I loved this poem...how it resembles a story -
I like how you didn't really write a poem, but more of what you had on your mind while looking at this picture. It is straightforward and blatantly honest.
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I know what you mean, Cheryl
....T -
I am sorry for meeting you under these circumstances, but i hope with all the power in my heart that i may help you wonderful people with a prayer: You are special, lively in spirit, truth in voice, and honor in your composure; believe in your beings,trust in the cosmos, and remember to bless each other with every new day. Peace and love, avibard1 aka David
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Very touching, a lovely tribute to those who care for you, much love, and please pen on, you have a gift, it's great you share it!
-Timothy The Poetic Weaver -
very touching. the trees are like people thing is something i've seen many times, but it never rings less true or more cliched any time i see it. a very sweet sentiment to your friends,
~rixi~ -
Beautiful
I have never been to Texas, but you paint a vivid picture....Trees are as you say very similar to us, we often have flaws, twisted limbs, lack of leaves (for that read brains) some have diseases, others florish and bloom, but we need all types to make up this humanity we know and love.....I know you have been under so much pressure but deep in my heart I know how strong you are.....You have many friends who are praying hard for your families health and happiness...We are measured by our strengths....they sustain us and also bring courage and hope into the forefront. I wish you the best Christmas ever with all the answers you want to hear
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I grew up in Live Oak County in South Texas. And I am very familiar with the tree and I love them. My daughter recently became engaged under the Century Tree...a huge live oak tree on Texas A&M University's campus in College Station, Texas. I love the tribute. Awesome. Write on, poet.
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Miss Cheryl praying is all I can do. I just wish I could do more. I feel so helpless when I can't really do anything but pray. God is the magic of the world. The healer. I pray for Katie and your family each night Miss Cheryl it is the least I can do. Much luvs~Crystal
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The tree of life... Great classic metaphor. A nice observational piece. My own favourite metaphor for life is comparing it to a delta - and if you're close enough to Louisiana in your part of Texas you've perhaps driven out I-10 all the way to N'Awlins, across those intertwining delta waters.
I like your opening, especially - the journey of life too is not so much about the closeness to the destination (something we want to delay, I'd say) or the race to get there, but about finding the shade along the way, about slowing down and stopping once in a while or more often.
I should check some of your other work before I ask if you write or submit much poetry - the ideas you express in your final paragraph are fine, but for me lack real emphasis - I think there's some great inspiration there, in the live oaks as life and family, to work into a powerful poem or lyric. With strong use of figurative language, especially - ie, metaphor over simile or simple straight description/comparison.
By the way, I lived in Texas myself for 14 years - finally wound my way back to Scotland. I do miss the heat sometimes!Spent some time in College Station (can you guess why?) and then many years in Houston - you don't say where in Texas you are, but if you're around Houston, you'll know of the fantastic live oaks in the Rice University area or around River Oaks. Well, all over the inner loop. And the spanish moss is fantastic, isn't it. Did you know it's some kind of cousin to the pineapple - I think that's right, anyway.
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Wonderful
Different, enjoyable and loaded with wisdom and truth. Thanks for sharing your talents. -
I'm sorry to waste this I should have bookmarked it the first time, but I just needed to re-read this gem of a piece, and reflect on a few past months while reading it. I will bookmark it now so I may come back to it. gregg
Edited on Dec 22, 4:19 p.m. because ''. -
I love the way you describe the different paths, twists, turns and scars. It would be a very boring world if we were all the same!
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The comparison to these trees and our lives was well thought out and done beautifuly. I found this to be very interesting information you have shared here.
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Thanks to you for the old Oak-tree has now become a well known metaphor and it generates numerous thoughts in the hearts of poets to use it in their future efforts!The mighty 'Oak' will live despite its many wounds!
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great
this is a very good write i enjoyed it alot..
where abouts in Texas do you live?
~Jason~ -
This is beautiful, I happen to love trees. I myself have four Oak trees in my backyard. And yes, mine are straight and tall. Friends and family are so much like trees. Just enough distance to let the sun in so we can grow in our own individual right.Our branches reaching out to hold us up to that light. And close enough to give us shade when life gets too hot to handle and let us know they are there when they are needed. I know that you will miss this place that you have come to love. But you will take with you so many fond memories that will bring a smile to your face.
~Michelle~
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I have been to Texas many times, you must live in the good part if you have shade. My dad's family comes from Texas, the first line really struck me. He taught us since we were little always park your car in the shade.
Even though we live in Oregon we all do it. Even my niece she is only eleven she always finds shade for her go cart. Every person is different just like the branches of a tree. We need each other. This is a beautiful poem you have written. Take care
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there can be no sum without the parts and the saying is true the sum is so much greater than the parts. I read this and I think of each of those branches you describe as a friend or loved one in your life. The ones with all the knobs and scars are those who have weathered your storms with you. The smooth ones are the friends that you send a christmas card to or share a coffee with when you run into one another every few years. I hope that I am a knobby branch on my friends trees and that someday our friendship will have grown to that point as well.
God bless you in this holiday season. May you find all your answers and the strength to climb these mountains. Remember there are many branches here to help balance that load.
Your friend,
Susan -
bravo!
If I were a bird I would seek out your dappled sunlight and mutated oaks to build my nest and raise my young. Beautifully written. -
Gorgeous and very true...thanks for telling me about this, I really appreciate it A truly beautiful piece
Happy Holidays!
-Emily
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More
I love this little encyclopedic entry. First the anecdote, then some facts, then some reflections. How about a book of these? There's lots of books on trees, but this would be different - it could be called: I've Looked at Trees from Both Sides Now - or something to that effect. -
smiles . . i never pre-empt the ways of life except to state obvious observations,
with the goodwill and best wishes of us all . .let creation choose the path of long life for all your family, the randomness of love's paths that surrounds us all shall keep each of us warm for eternity
we each have a purpose, but we may never individually know what it is . . LOVE is the result though!
merry christmas and best wishes
mike
ps. living in queensland ozland . . the shady parking spot is tuff to get !!
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Beautifully said!
Cheryl.
This is such a fabolous and unique write. Your words were so tender and so loving that it just kept me in awe. Very beautiful. The living oak tree, I believe represents life as it is. If we treat it well, we will be rewarded and we will surely last longer on this earth. A wonderful thought and it will be forever cherished. I hope that everything is getting back to normal now with your family. I wish you and your family only the best. You have been such a wonderful friend to me and I am just blessed to know you. I love you so much, with all my heart! Take care of yourself and Merry Christmas!!!
May the colours of the rainbow follow you always and forever.
Smiles always,
Kristina
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Fantastic!
Hello Cheryl,
This was just an absolutely wonderful observation. We are as limbs on a tree, but as a whole we ARE the tree, and that gives each and every limb strength. I pray all is well with you and your family, and especially Katie. Thank you for reminding me of the fact the we must all be like the live oak...This was wonderful. Thank you for the link to this, and thank you for the lovely comment on 'Miracles'
--Johnny -
This is a beautiful write Cheryl and very true. I hope that things continue to get better for you and Katie. Blessings to you and your family this holiday season. Take care and Have fun. Steve
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Brilliant
Gosh, I feel like there is a lot here I don't know,judging by the comments others have left you. Obviously, you have made some dear friends here at AP. I was drawn to this write from the description under the title: @ Texas and parking under the shade, since I live in West Texas, otherwise known as the desert. And yes, we vive for the shade, first one home, gets the benefit of parking under the ONE tree we have. The use of the tree as a metaphor to our lives was brilliant. I think we are so much like trees. God makes mention of that in Pslams, "be like the tree planted by the water, etc". Thanks for sharing this~vickie -
{{{{{{{ Cheryl, Katie and family }}}}}}} This is an absolute beautiful write that has touched me deeply with it's sincerity and eloquence ( as did your author page ) Our thoughts will be with you and our wishes will be whispered into the wind , maybe to be carried on the wings of a bird to your house . Thanks for all you have taught me , about life , love , tolerance and acceptance. You truly are as mentionned above...a class act,
much love ,
Reenie
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YES!!! You have got it, my Friend...the basis...the foundation we all live upon...Cheryl...my prayers for you & yours, always...my Friend...God hears you...hears us...& you already know, that in spite of difficulties, how blessed you already are...your Vision is keen, my Friend...you see Truth where it stands...you are the Mighty Oak, Sweetheart...Beautiful write, O Magical One...I am not surprised... Love you, Cheryl... Wanda
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Cheryl: I love your metaphor displayed in this writing, up in Canada we have a few trees like this growing on my land and my friend wants to uproot them and use them for firewood, but I have requested that they remain intact adding to the beauty of our land and the complexities of life and decisions that must be made. Cherish your memoires of Texas and create new ones whereever you find yourself, it is how we grow as humans in our hearts and find the compassion to share with others. Candles are still lit and won't be extinguished until Januray 14, 2005, Ukrainian New Year's Eve. I hope the energy reaches you all the way in Texas. Gregg
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I have these incredible tears in my eyes now, and I am trying to keep them from falling. But like that acorn, there comes a time when they must fall to the soft earth below. Such a lovely picture you have painted, and how true it is that we are like that mighty oak tree. So many things in our environment influences the way that we grow and the fruit of our tree. I enjoyed this write more than any words could ever express. All of the emotions that have been stirred in me could never be written on paper or on this computer screen, but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. May God truly bless you for the beautiful person that you are.
becca
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Your tenderness and love brought warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes. THis was simply beautiful. I loved the feel your words give the reader, at least this reader; as my eyes meet each line. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, and know you are never alone.
Sam
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Cheryl, again I stand in awe of your wonderfull way of taking one thing and giving it a double meaning. Excellent write, Thoughts and prayers are with you each day that passes. God bless....Mal
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Cheryl dear what a wonderful write. My prayers are with you I wish all good things come to you and your family. many hugs and much love
Pari -
Cheryl, I am sitting here at work wiping away the tears. It takes a special kind of person to be able to take what they have been through and still see life with a positive outlook. I really loved this. My prayers are with you hun.
~ John
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Sammy, Two thousand miles is nothing to God; for a prayer is just a wisp away when you wisper it in the wind to him.
Edited on Dec 21, 1:13 p.m. because ''. -
My arms and my heart are always open to you and your family. You have touched my life is so many ways. For that I sincerely thank you.
Sincerely
Leo Long -
This is as lovely an expression of gratitude i think i’ve ever come across. to have a heart that is this sensitive must have been acquired at great expense. You are a truly gifted writer. blessings and best wishes, ~richard
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You have to stop making me cry woman! This is without a doubt the absolute best way I could ever think of to describe the situation here. I was very moved by your heartfelt thanks Cheryl, but that doesn't surprise me. I have never known you to do or say anything that was not a class act, just like you. My heart has been so heavy and has ached over the turmoil that you face on a daily basis. I was thinking about all the things we have discussed in private and I have to say... I now chastise myself because I think my life no longer seems quite so bad. I can only imagine the struggles and difficulties that you have faced because I have not walked in your shoes but I do know that as mother, I would do everything within my power to move heaven and hell for my children. They are my absolute life source. They have literally been my reason for facing a new day more times than I can count. I know that like me, you too feel blessed, even with all the complications of this life, but I pray that your life will be blessed beyond measure.
~Kimberly
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Inspiring
I find this to be a very inspirational write, Cheryl.
Almost parrable like in your telling.
The comaprison you make between the oaks and people shows your wonderful insight into human nature and of how we live.
God Bless You Dear Lady and your Darling Daughter too.
Forever in my thoughts and prayers,
Even though I am 2,000 miles away.
Sammy
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stunning
Hello Cheryl,
This is a wonderful piece and I applaude your ability to be so vividly despcriptive in your writing. I live in Arizona, for health reasons, and I know about those "bushes" which are called "trees" in the locale.
Blessings to you and your family and a huge ((((HUG)))) for Katie.
Del -
this is beautiful ty so much
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"Like a tree planted by the water, we shall not be moved." In unison and great collectiveness all things transpire as God knows shall be. He hears our fervrent prayers and answers according to His will Cheryl. God is there, we are here, you stand with Katie so that she may stand, and grow to be like her mother.
Blessings, Prayers & Love To You ALL! Be Steadfast and Pray!
I Love YOU,
Renee
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This is so very true! Having lived in in Texas for five years, shade is a must, or you risk melting to your seat when you get in the car. This was a wonderful piece, not just because of the wonderful, insightful message but also because it reminds me of where I consider home. Where in Texas is this?
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This is beautiful Cheryl. I had an image of you and Katie through the whole read. I wish you only love and happiness, but you know that.
~Lyrical
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Illuminating
I loved the picture - live Oak trees - I have never seen them before. What a gorgeous tree. I liked your message as well and it was well written. Nice does matter yes. -
Loved the message you pass in this story Cheryl!
It's is so true what you say. One may think that he is weak, but with some help anyone can become strong to face the hard times in life. And we all know that hard times show up now and then.
And I agree, nice does matter!
Kisses and love,
Mari
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