Paradise Renewed

Paradise Renewed

I love my trees! Although they are not truly mine, they belong to the earth. I am in awe of their strength, their endurance, their perseverance, their incredible beauty!

I am humbled by their gifts of fruit, shade, and protection from cold winds.

I recently received the fruit trees I had ordered from Stark Bros. nursery, and was looking forward to getting them planted. I gathered top soil, peat moss, compost, and some sandy soil. Then mixed them into a rich concoction to immerse the trees roots in. After digging a “$10 hole for a $5 tree”, I gently set the tree in and filled the hole with my concoction. I could almost feel the tree’s previously bare roots embrace the warm earth and the joy it gave it.

Having completed the planting, I stood back to admire my handiwork. Yes, it was straight. Yes, from all sides it looked perfect. My mouth began to water at the thought of the succulent fruit I would receive in the coming years.

I looked up at one of my mature trees that had just blossomed and I noticed that the honey bees were enveloping the blooms in search of pollen to take back to their hive. I lay down in the green grass below the tree to watch the industrious bees go about their business. It always amazes me how they work. They are so focused on accomplishing their task. Dedicated to bringing nourishment to the queen and her continuously hatching brood, as well as the workers who stay in the hive to do the caretaking.

I lay there in the grass, basking in the warm glow of the sun, gently caressed by the breeze. Embraced by the earth, my physical pains melted away, the tribulations of everyday life dissipated into the warmth of the green, green grass of home. I was one with the earth, one with the universe. My mind lazily dreamed of a far away land inhabited by poets and strange animals.

Then I had to get up and plant the rest of the trees! But for that moment in time, my paradise was renewed!