Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) in May |
Perhaps that's because a tree is a living thing. Consider its life cycle:
In the winter, the bare branches of this deciduous tree speak of endurance bracing against the weight of the snow and ice.
Dogwood after a snow fall |
Late fall ice storm |
Miraculously, in late March you see the buds forming on twigs, a
lesson of hope and renewal. Then in May its
floral display gives us beauty.
In the summer, its blossoms give way to light green leaves providing a welcoming shade. Many times I sit on the concrete bench and reflect upon those who are no longer with us.
In early fall, the foliage turns a stunning deep red and bright red berries ripen, a favorite of migrating birds.
First leaves appear in early spring |
In the summer, its blossoms give way to light green leaves providing a welcoming shade. Many times I sit on the concrete bench and reflect upon those who are no longer with us.
Concrete bench under dogwood |
In early fall, the foliage turns a stunning deep red and bright red berries ripen, a favorite of migrating birds.
bright red berries of a flowering dogwood define fall |
Then, by late November there comes the falling of the leaves, a symbol of vanishing vitality, reminding us how little time we have left and that the end is inevitable.
Year after year, the dogwood reminds me of my own mortality.
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