on reaching for the sky
This tree came from one of those little twigs in a bag they give out to school children once a year. My niece and I planted it in my garden about a decade ago.
Last year at this time, the uppermost branch formed a perfect question mark. I swore I had a picture of it, and of course, I can’t find it anywhere. But you can still sense that it was there, this question, traced in the air…
I wish I could say that I’ve found the answer. That I was inspired to look at life in a new way, or to see it as some sort of message from mother nature or some other higher power.
But all I have are questions.
And every time I look at that tree I see it there, still,
a big question mark. Trying to tell me something.
Since last year, the branch has grown, spread itself out,
become (almost) a straight line.
Pointing towards the sky.
I want to look up
and see a hawk
fly itself like a kite
just above the spot
where I stand.
But I’m not there, yet.
The sun is still in my eyes.
P.S. This post is part of You Capture – Reaching
March 11th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
last year around this time, i saw a nearby tree with two ginormous pinecone-like things on it. they were very out-of-character for the tree, which otherwise had no evidence of pinecones whatsoever. i still think of those when i walk past that tree, tho’ they are long gone. i’ll admit i’m glad it wasn’t anything to do with a questionmark, becuase i’ve got enough questions at the moment. sigh. 🙂
March 11th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
it sounds like you do have enough questions on your plate these days…but the answers will come, years ago, in a six month period of time i had a baby, graduated from college, bought a house, got my first full time job, and bought a new car…a lot of change in a short period…but somehow things just seem to work out the way they are supposed to. at least that is what i always tell myself…
March 11th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Oh, it is so obviously pointing toward the sky, a sign if ever I saw one, me who follows arrow shaped leaves on the ground because I am sure they know the way better than I. I think questions right now are all you need, yes, and eyes to watch for that hawk. Maybe sunglasses. 🙂
March 11th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
yes, why didn’t i think of that?
March 11th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I think any comment I make would pale in comparison to this post! I’ll just say this (and I know you enjoy this poet):
Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer. – Rainer Maria Rilke
March 11th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
love that, fits right into my life right now…thanks
March 12th, 2010 at 7:58 am
What lovely words accompanying this sweet tree. You must share with this tree a desire to reach and grow towards the limitless sky!!!
March 12th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
yes, i think that is true, but also some growing pains…
March 12th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I love this….
and me too….lots of questions mixed with lots of faith and hope and on those really questionable days…prayers….
happy weekend….
March 12th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
thanks! happy weekend to you as well…
March 12th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
{no real bribes for the bird….that’s just me writing and trying to be funny….LOL}
March 12th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
well i fell for it 🙂 you are always funny!
March 18th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
That is a neat picture. I like the contrast of the dark tree against the blue sky.