This reminds me of the wise words of Sir Isaac Newton (at least, what have been claimed as his words): "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Each of us plays only a part in this world, and even in our own successes, and always those triumphs come at least in part as the result of others who have gone before us, paving the way, and nurturing our minds for the journeys we will make. I don't know all those who've come before me and made it possible for me to become who I am, but I am grateful for them, and grateful that my part in the history of this human race has not been built merely upon my own small will and work.
I've not seen a hawthorn tree before that I'm aware. But this essay made me realize that we do have a plant here in Oklahoma that serves the same purpose: blackberries. They grow into massive, impenetrable tangled of briars that shelter the birds and the rodents, and inside that mass the slower growing trees can get started, safe from the grazing creatures
Wonderful observation Sarah, I had not made the connection that blackberry also serves the same ecological function. We have an old cemetery at the back of our house which is smothered with blackberry plants - they provide a rich feast in late summer!
Beautiful metaphor, Hadden!
Peeling back the layers of symbolism of this sacrificial tree offers a whole new perspective. Fascinating and beautiful Hadden!
Thanks Ruth, glad you enjoyed it! It was such a fun piece to write.
This reminds me of the wise words of Sir Isaac Newton (at least, what have been claimed as his words): "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Each of us plays only a part in this world, and even in our own successes, and always those triumphs come at least in part as the result of others who have gone before us, paving the way, and nurturing our minds for the journeys we will make. I don't know all those who've come before me and made it possible for me to become who I am, but I am grateful for them, and grateful that my part in the history of this human race has not been built merely upon my own small will and work.
I've not seen a hawthorn tree before that I'm aware. But this essay made me realize that we do have a plant here in Oklahoma that serves the same purpose: blackberries. They grow into massive, impenetrable tangled of briars that shelter the birds and the rodents, and inside that mass the slower growing trees can get started, safe from the grazing creatures
Wonderful observation Sarah, I had not made the connection that blackberry also serves the same ecological function. We have an old cemetery at the back of our house which is smothered with blackberry plants - they provide a rich feast in late summer!