Illumination Writing Challenge

How Do You Measure the Worth of a Tree?

It may knot be what you think

“I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.” — Joyce Kilmer

Somewhere in my battered memory bank is the quote, “I think that I shall never see a smokestack as lovely as a tree.” But after a moderately vigorous search on Google, all I could come up with is Joyce Kilmer’s first lines of his famous poem, Trees, written in 1913.

In the Wikipedia reference above, mention is made of several parodies, including Ogden Nash’s uses billboards as a contrast to the tree. Perhaps that is what I am thinking of, maybe not.

I suppose it is irrelevant in this forum as all I wish to talk about is the tree. Specifically, the tree Charles Roast took a picture of and wrote this poem about:

The photo in question is here:

At first blush I have to admit my thought was, “What an ugly tree”. I suspect Chuck rolled it out for our enjoyment at least in part because of its “character”, for lack of better descriptive words.

Given this as comparison, a smokestack with even the slightest amount of graceful symmetry might, actually, provide a better view. So too a billboard with a captivating photo.

But while I used “character” in quotes above to describe this tree’s appearance, after thinking about it for a bit, I am struck by this tree’s actual character. The knots and knurls, the twisted branching and weathered bark give some insight into to soul of this tree.

First, if you notice the very bottom of the picture you will see that this tree isn’t located in a forest, or really in a natural spot at all. It seems to be in an urban, or at least suburban, setting, seemingly standing alone.

That means this tree has endured on its own, without the shelter of other trees and likely without the help of a forested bed of mulch or enriched soil to promote its growth. The mere fact that it has withstood wind and weather, alone, where it stands, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the tree.

I can’t help but also notice the many times the tree was pruned of branches. The times when the tree branched out and tried to go in a new direction, but some force stopped that progression. No matter though, the tree perseveres, as strong as ever.

I notice too, the places where trimming didn’t occur, but the tree’s branches were unable to spring forth in a single direction. The knots and turns represent times when the tree’s growth hit a barrier and the tree was able to navigate around the block and expand itself, in spite of the obstacle.

The offsets and variances place the tree outside the spectrum we might consider to be classic tree-like beauty, however, there is grace and grandeur suggested by each knot and twist. This tree has a beauty of its own, earned through trial and difficulty. No less striking than the tall straight evergreen; rather, instead, an exclusive beauty.

And finally, I am drawn to what is missing from the picture. That, in my estimation, tells the true story.

What is glaringly absent from the picture are the events and barriers that created the tree as it is today. The wind that scored the tree’s bark and tested its roots has dissipated, whispering away to nothing.

The arborists that sought to trim and sculpt aren’t here now. They are transient interlopers to the tree’s stately and permanent existence. Any hints of past trees or buildings once presenting obstacles to the tree’s growth path, now also cease to exist.

The tree stands alone; proud. An enduring tribute to perseverance and character. The lone survivor among what must have been many competing plants, trees and bushes before streets and buildings took over. Perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing tree to grace this spot.

But, most certainly, the very best tree for this particular time and place.

I will let you draw your own allegorical conclusions from this story. However, if you are looking for a monument or a reminder; perhaps a talisman to carry with you on your journey. I suggest that you consider remembering this tree when times get tough.

It is said that a picture is worth 1,000 words. I think this particular photo, of this particular tree, invokes way more than a thousand words worth of wisdom.

Thank you Charles Roast for allowing me to play along. If Kerry Martin, Keno Ogbo Kazzac Christine Rawley Adam Luaces have written in response already, I haven’t organically noticed it, so you could drop a link in the comments if you will. I would love to see other responses.

I am also going to tag a few recent followers and invite them to write to the prompt of this tree. Please tag me in your responses if you decide to engage:

Ashley Broadwater, Robert McManus, Christopher Reno Budiman, Susie Gutierrez, Dana Sanford, and Stuart Grant.

Thanks for reading, and for playing along! I love to see all the varied perspectives on a subject.

P.S. — If anyone also remembers a “smokestack” reference to this poem, let me know. It would be reassuring to hear that I am not completely losing it.

If you like this, you might like some of my other recent writing, including my July daily roundup of writing challenges:

And a recent response to a prior challenge:

And this blast from the past:

Timothy Key spent over 26 years in the fire service as a firefighter/paramedic and various fire chief management roles. He firmly believes that bad managers destroy more than companies, and good managers create a passion that is contagious. Compassion, grace and gratitude drive the world; or at least they should. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and join the mail list.