Monday, August 03, 2009

thought for the day

As I rushing down 7th Street last week, this tree stopped me in my tracks. Somehow, the iron fence that keeps dogs [and drunks] from peeing on the trunk has impaled the tree. You'd think that someone would removed the fence years ago, when it was still possible. But this little tree was obviously on its own. After years of neglect, it just kept on growing, propelling its wrought iron baggage upward.



This humble city tree moved me to tears. It taught me more about resiliency and persistence than any Wayne Dyer program, self-help book or therapist ever could.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is amazing. Thank you.

jd said...

Wow, that really is something.

It's amazing how things like that can go completely unnoticed for so long...

And I agree, it definitely does teach a lesson about strength and perseverance. Very cool, thanks for sharing!

Nicole said...

I have seen that tree before and have always wondered just how long it's been like that.

LaLa Lady said...

I haven't lived in Philly for years, and I still remember that tree. I always thought it interesting that the tree absorbed the iron, and kept on growing....not allowing the fence to hold it back(as if it could).

Tallulah Kidd said...

So interesting and Insightful. That is a thought and image that will truly stay with me

Judy's Nutrition said...

Wow, that is fascinating. It almost looks fake at first. Thanks for the reminder to keep on , keepin on!

buffalodick said...

I think you had a Simon and Garfunkel moment... people speaking without listening.. If you can see that, when others ask "what?" You have made it to the next level! It is lonely to see what others cannot.. it's OK. Good Luck, and I still will pay good money for a signed first edition of your cook book! I just can't help admiring amazin' women like you!

kibbles said...

I find that photo really inspirational and it doesn't make me tear up it all! That tree is able to grow over our petty attempt to trap it, and it's winning. It may have a battle scar and some gnarly jewelry now, but it has triumphed. Nature wins always.

bazu said...

Aw man. That is very moving.

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

wow. beautiful.

Tony Pep said...

What you observed and what you wrote..... nothing more to say...
how ironic and relevant?

Luna said...

wow... nature vs manmade ... so powerful!

Carrie™ said...

I find this bittersweet, yet inspirational. Thank you for sharing the tree. It is an image that I will remember for quite some time.

Peng Peng said...

ouch! how incredibly sad no one had bothered to remove that fence. I can't stand when people nail things like license plates, signs, etc to trees.

Thanks for caring enough to share this story! xoxo

Binx said...

i've taken the same picture! pretty cool, huh? i printed it and kept it on my wall for a while, because I thought it was so beautiful. now i don't remember where that tree is.

Eco Mama said...

What a beautiful post. I love your sensitivity!
xoxo
Eco Mama

jordan 6 rings said...

I agree, it definitely does teach a lesson about strength and perseverance. Very cool, thanks for sharing!

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