The Love Tree

I enjoyed a walk in the woods near my house today as it was unseasonably warm outside.  The backdrop of cascading yellow leaves was a beautiful sight to behold. Our property is surrounded by maples and tulip trees whose leaves turn to gorgeous shades of gold in the fall. I  kicked the leaves to make a rustling sound as I walked. I spied acorns and pinecones peering through the leaf piles.  Just beyond the creek that runs beside our property, I discovered a tree that was amazing in a different way  besides its leaf color.It is extraordinary because it has a very distinct shape in a knothole.  The hole goes clear through the tree which is in a state of decay although it still has leaves and signs of life. The fact that it is still standing is a testament to the image it portrays. I have named it the “Love Tree” for there is a perfect heart shape permanently imbedded  in its bark.  I am reminded of a poem called Trees by Joyce Kilmer.

A line in the poem states “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” I might also add  “His love was shown to me through a tree.”