The Importance of Being Pine

Not powerful, not about romance or death but it mattered to me so I wrote about it.

My legs brush the long strands of grass. Unconsciously, I pull them out of the ground, gathering them feebly in my hands. The sun is beating down now, and it flickers on and off of my face as I walk through the clearing in the forest. There's only a soft breeze, but it's soothing on my skin on this hot day. I find my spot, and sit down carefully on the pine needles, leaning gently against my usual tree. I smile to myself, feeling calm, my anxiety and depression kept at bay by the familiarity of this particular place. I've sat here, probably at least once a week, since I was about six years old. Even in the winter, I've seen myself trudging through the deep, hard snow, to get to this sanctuary. I even sometimes brave sitting in the snow. Today though, the delightful July weather provides the perfect temperature for sitting out, and the lack of precipitation has left the ground dry so I have no reservations about sitting there. I look out into the woods, taking a deep breath, taking in my surroundings. I think out of everywhere on the estate, this is the place I'll miss the most when we leave. It offers me a kind of escape. A place to calm me when my emotions take over. It's one of the few places I feel relaxed, where I feel I can be completely myself. I don't know if I can find another place like that once we leave. I don't know if there will be a place elsewhere that offers me such support and happiness. I remember the first time I came here. I don't remember exactly why I was so upset, but I remember crying, and I do remember it was more from frustration and anger than actual sadness. I had ran from my house, not wanting to be there anymore. When I could run no further, I fell down, leaning back against a massive tree, it seemed to offer a safe place, hidden from the world. I've grown a lot since then, but the tree remains the same. Maybe that's why I love it so. No matter how much the world changes, it offers security and stability. It's funny how something so simple has become so important in my life. 

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

You say it's not powerful, but I can imagine it being just that to you. In a way, to me, also, in that I seek solace in similar ways. Many of us, in fact, should be able to understand your attatchment to that particular, special place. Very nicely done.

[quixotic_rose]

nature is so powerful and simply beautiful and in times when we least expect it, the surrounding pieces of it just come together and offer solace and peace. It's truly amazing, awesome job capturing the importance of places such as yours :)

[Owlgirl]

Great job! I love the imagery and emotion in this, the tranquility within the chaos, great job. This is an amazing earth-binding piece.

[Theresa]

So true. Simplicity. This is a great piece. I love the image of this place to escape to. What is it with trees? I love them! Great job!