The Life of a Sapling
Photo By: Sean Thoman https://unsplash.com/@sthomanns
The sapling wriggled under the surface of the soil, sensing new light and warmth just beyond. Testing its environment and listening to the community chatter of information, it built its courage to reach out and search for more. As its limbs poked out of the darkness, it felt excited to see and feel the sunlight. Basking in its newfound light and warmth, it looked up and around at the tall elders in its community. The elders surrounded the sapling but couldn’t always protect it for the sapling had to learn to survive. The sapling required freedom to grow and become. The sapling knew that coming out meant leaving the safety of the ground but it believed it would always be grounded by its roots and could return to where it started should it ever feel lost. The sapling’s roots held a lifeline to the forest community and it vowed to forever give and receive with its kin.
A dark storm came upon the community one day and the sapling’s independence was tested. The light and warmth faded behind a veil of clouds as raging winds tried to unroot the trees. Each tree had to hold their own while staying rooted together. As their limbs danced in the wind, raindrops fell heavily upon them, making their limbs feel weaker, yet fortifying them with nourishment. The sapling held its ground while watching its elders dance the rainfall ritual. It witnessed how the community withheld their strength during the storm and believed that it, too, would grow and learn to be strong in survival. Whatever a day would bring, it felt confident standing in its community growing and interconnected to a network of loving kin.
From the safety and darkness, it bravely stepped out to meet new light and warmth. Growing amidst trying storms, it stands strong reaching for more while staying connected to its kin and purpose, forever giving and receiving with its surrounding community.
Reflective Qs:
What is the sapling and trees a metaphor of?
Do you find the experience of this sapling similar to your own?
How do you feel about the community of kin that you have?
What kind of storms have you met in your lifetime?
Author’s Note: I was imagining the similarities between nature and humans. I imagined being the sapling, the elder and a part of the community. The communication and community that trees maintain are a fascination to me.
