Wandering roots
Kentucky
I never saw a discontented tree,
They grip the ground as though they liked it, and
though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do.
They go wandering forth is all directions with every wind,
going and coming like ourselves . . . .
~~ John Muir
Aerial tree roots
Mount St Helen's National Park, Washington State
I've seen the wandering, grounded roots often, here in my mid Atlantic state. But I believed aerial roots were the stuff of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family.
ReplyDeleteJoanne -- Well as Wiki defines aerial roots -- any roots above ground. These roots were found at the site of a fallen tree in a rainforest environment. The roots seemed to be reaching out toward the ground. I thought they could be personified as father time's beard. Perhaps they were no longer viable? thanks -- your comment made me delve into the aerial root definition a bit more -- always like that -- barbara
DeleteIt seems that it takes a volcano to uproot a tree. Intriguing pattern of the roots, and it shows how thoroughly Nature is constructed.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- It is surprising to view the area around Mount St Helens and see how fast the devastation from the volcano has sprung back to life including trees. Nature is surely amazing. thanks -- barbara
DeleteSee the tree in the wood,
ReplyDeleteJust takes its time,
Never has been angry,
Never been unkind,
Never been to church,
Never been to school,
Now you tell me
Just who's a fool.
John -- This is an excellent comment. I am going to save it with my favorite quotes. An insightful perspective on trees and nature in general. thank you -- barbara
DeleteI love that quote from John Muir. It is important to wander. It is also important to have a home.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- We as humans do tend to come and go. I wish that some of us could learn more about life as they wander. You know -- some do and some don't. -- barbara
DeleteBarbara, They are fascinating & beautiful...And the Muir quote is so wonderful. I am guessing it might be especially meaningful to you at this point in your life journey...
ReplyDeleteRita -- there was a bit of correlation to my recent wandering to Washington. I think most folks wander -- a few miles, or to far far reaches of the earth. But in their heart there always seems to a place they call home even if they don't actually live there anymore. How many times have you met someone new and they qualify where they are from by saying I was raised in ... even though they haven't lived there in many years. To me that person is telling you its roots and in many cases where there heart still resides. thanks -- barbara
DeleteHave just been reading Ted Hughes book on writing poetry as I've just published a short book of my poems after years of writing only prose. Wonderful observation, your photographs really inspire.
ReplyDeleteHave not read Ted Hughes book. Now you are on the road to a new adventure with poetry -- best to you -- barbara
DeleteLovely pictures and quotes.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- thanks for the nice words. I felt John Muir's words were in sync with the tree roots. -- barbara
DeleteHome is where the heart is. And that's why we have roots....:)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- Thanksgiving is just around the corner -- hope you get to spend it with that fine family I've been viewing on your blog. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteMuir would have liked these images.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- We are fortunate that John Muir could put so many of his thoughts into writings. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteYes, I love poetry as much as you love beautiful things, and it takes my mind from worrying about my husband's illness.
ReplyDeleteCarole Anne -- sorry to hear your husband is still not doing well. It is wonderful that you have your writing to keep you focused. -- barbara
Delete