As autumn passes into winter, here in the Midwest and in the Northeast where I grew up, the trees gently surrender their leaves to the wind. One by one, sometimes dozens at a time, they float away, eventually down to the earth below. What remains, the skeleton trunk and branches, is bare, naked.
 |
I always notice, and silently appreciate, these sterile beauties in photographs, in paintings, and in the fields nearby my house. Some (OK, most) friends think this is a bizarre or poorly developed aesthetic. One commented, “That’s crazy, Mindy…. trees without leaves are a sign of the Fall" (meaning original sin, not the season!). But it never wavers; if anything, as the years go by, I love trees without leaves more and more.
When someone asks why, my brain malfunctions, inventing reasons. How can you explain a favorite color? Or a favorite view? I’m not sure reason has anything to do with it.
But when my brain wins out, I do make a few observations about trees without leaves that may contribute. [Note: Of course, I’m really not sure. I don’t actually think about these things when I notice the beauty of barren trees. I just love them. Period.]
 |
Without leaves, you see the true structure of the tree—some branch systems are elongated and symmetrical, others twist and meander in a confused tangle. Always, they are interesting and seem to have a personality of their own. It’s like they show their true essence when the fluffy, vibrant, green no longer hides their character.
The gentle releasing of the leaves reminds me of seasons of life when I, too, must surrender to the harsh winds of life, to the declining sunlight, to the chill. I “let go” of what my life appears to be, even to what I may think the source of my energy and strength may be, and trust myself to the season. Sometimes I let go one lonely leaf at a time; sometimes I let go in droves. Always, I remain alive. Sustained by something much deeper and truer and enduring. My identity is not in my leaves or in my “fruit.”
The source of my life persists.
Trees without leaves are a picture of peace, simplicity, purity, and stillness. Why? I don’t really know. I just know I love them.
Comments
Post has no comments.