It has been claimed that there are more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. I see the stars beyond my view and wonder how long they have been in that position so perfectly placed to encourage me to wax poetic upon this vision. Tiny beads of white light that capture my senses gives me a sense of how big the universe is.
As I look out to the view through our picture windows I see a landscape of broccoli tips that are trees. They dot the horizon as far as the eye can see. If I were a giant I would see them as leaves of grass beneath my feet to be stepped upon altering their tragectory to the sky.
My eyes follow the line of sight to the very top of the mountain as the trees are like tall withered snowmen standing silently. I love the snow because it seems to illuminate the bright stars and the tips and base of the trees creating a snowglobe affect. Both stars and trees are affected by the dusting of white powder that provides an envelope of mystery we experience but one season a year. I always wonder what I can’t see… the forest through the trees… the distant town and what transpires beyond my imagination… the future which is already written but which no one can predict.
All of this settles my mind into a thought of conversation. I usually have this conversation within the confines and parameters of the days of future passed. Predicting what might be by looking backwards to determine what moves the hands of time forwards. This excercise enables me to move the chess pieces. I protect certain pieces while sacraficing others for the betterment of pursuing the ever elusive engage or disengage tete-a-tete.
I appreciate the sysmetry of the stars that form designs having guided traverlers for as long as forever is. The map changes depending where we stand to view. However, the script remains the same as astonomers study celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.
Astronomy has helped us learn of evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, as well as the formation and development of the universe. One of the most important aspects of astronomy is its ability to help us understand our place in the universe.
While stars are beautiful and can provide guidance and knowledge, it is the tree that’s most important to our lives. Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quaility, water conservation, preservation of the soil, and supports wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe.
Dendrology is the scientific study of trees. The trees reduce air pollution as mentioned above but they also minimise erosion, maintain healthy soil, provide a canapy for wildlife, increase rainfall, and absorb sunlight as energy.
All three of the above mentioned stars, trees, and snow are integral parts of our existence woven into the fabric of our lives. Guidance, air, and water blend into this kaleidoscope of energy which enhances our journey through the shear beauty and force of nature. Blessed are those that can take a moment to gaze to the stars, live in the forest, and feel the snow beneath their feet. It is within these sensory experiences that we become a part of that which is beyond our comprehension but at the same time a force that has the ability to touch our souls.
I witness the trees lit by the stars and framed by snow, as if I knew their disposition was a circus act evolving into natures show. The light of ten thousand suns illuminates the dark black hole below. Snow covered wooden arms reach for that which can not be touched, the ivory white sphere of a bright beacon lunch. I feast on this as if it were food and bare testimony to its ever changing mood.
It takes an observer to appreciate the vastness of nature all around, from the sky to the ground its a movie theatre in the round. We are but a speck in the overall outlook of the day which are put to lyrics everyday. We behold the origin of man or the end of mankind depending on the strike of life’s baton, the flip of a coin, or a simple wave of decline.
So fragile are these moments in time that all we can do is gaze beyond our mind and feel the tick tok of the precious seconds as our lives unwind.