We slept two nights
among the old oaks.
They are quiet in that grove,
among the old oaks.
They are quiet in that grove,
and probably always were.
Yet, as I walked in the morning light, I heard one,
(or maybe all in perfect unison) say,
"Stand tall to withstand.
Let your roots anchor you.
Let the sun grow you.
Do not be afraid of decay.
You may live 200 years,
or maybe 2,000, or maybe a mere 20 years more.
Regardless, decay is inevitable.
But remember, your decay will nourish the world."
image: Wagon Caves Rock Formation, Los Padres National Forest. From Wikipedia: "The location is known for huge valley oaks that are up to 100 feet (30 m) tall with trunks 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) across." Beautiful area. Most of the oaks there are large and healthy, but even those that have perished are beautiful. The remnant you see in the foreground is taller than we are. A true sanctuary that I miss today. To sleep and spend your waking hours among old oaks is life changing. This the woodpeckers and jays know. I think generations of those birds and even some owls have sought sanctuary there. We camped at a site under a large oak and were greeted with bird song from morning to night. At times we just sat, listened, and marveled. And at night we saw stars. I think we are better humans for it.
