Monday, February 25, 2008

Entry #36

The Girl Who Talked to Trees
by Linda Courtland


The tree knew things.

It knew why the mailman was flirting with the farmer’s wife.

It knew who had dressed all the sheep in lingerie.

And it knew how to keep secrets.

When the girl hopped the fence, the tree observed her disheveled hair and scrawny build.

“I can hear you,” the girl said, facing its trunk defiantly.

The tree didn’t know how to respond. It was used to keeping everything inside.

The girl came back the next day, sitting between exposed roots. She talked about her pet lizard and the boy she kind of liked, and she insisted the tree share details about its day.

The tree sent loving energy but didn’t speak, and the girl knew something must be done.

For the next few weeks, they sat in silence, hand to branch, sharing strength in the stillness.

Finally, the tree found the courage to start a conversation. They discussed dandelions and caterpillars and global warming and loneliness.

As it turned out, the tree had a lot to say.

The girl and the tree had lively debates and by springtime, the chatty tree had released the secrets trapped within its leaves.

The tree revealed its skeletal frame to the forces of nature, and the girl’s body started to change and curve.

And the tree modeled support for the girl by reaching toward a vast horizon, its striking silhouette ready for new growth.

19 comments:

BernardL said...

Distinctive look at a conversation between the animate and inanimate. Very creative.

Geraldine said...

This is a very interesting and engaging story. Well done!

Geraldine

Beth said...

Very cute. There's a few stories so far personifying the tree and each is so different. Love that.

DBA Lehane said...

I love the idea of a tree that knows all the secrets of lives going on around it.

bluesugarpoet said...

Chatty tree that talks about global warming and loneliness? A tree *would* know something about that. I love it! Highly creative narrative you've written here.

Unknown said...

Ah, I relate to this story very well. I love the dialogue between the girl and the tree and growth they undertake together. Lovely story.

Sarah Hina said...

This is a charming story. I love how both the girl and the tree transform throughout the narrative, each growing with the help of the other.

I'm sure trees do have much to tell us. If only all of us were such good listeners!

I really enjoyed this one.

SzélsőFa said...

I liked this story between two animate, loveable characters.

I wish there were more people of her kind...

Anonymous said...

I just LOVE this - it's so wonderful to sit hand-in-branch with a tree!

rel said...

Linda,
It's the girls belief in the communicability of the tree that gives this story it's substance. In return the tre taught her to belive in herself. Nice!
rel

Thérèse said...

I like this. But I want more.

I feel like it's too short, though. It leaves me too thirsty for more details.

That said, I think it's a great idea! I can feel the tree's bewilderment. It's lovely.

Lena said...

i simply loved it and i agree this one is too short, would love to read and read and read more :)
Very creative indeed.

Anonymous said...

I liked the model for womanhood, at the end. Very empowering.

bekbek said...

I am with Aerin - the model for womanhood. I think I see it throughout, especially in the shyness of the tree, used to listening but not speaking, but finding its voice and sharing its thoughts. The tree and girl are intertwined in this growing into strength and freedom.

Beautiful.

Unknown said...

a sweet story. even my piece has some conversation with the tree going on. :) this one sure is different.

Linda Peters said...

Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and supportive comments. I'm so glad I found this contest and community.
Linda

Chris Eldin said...

THis one in particular moved me. It almost felt like a lonely child's relationship with a beloved pet.
Very nice.

Anonymous said...

Very engaging at the beginning. You showed great skill in using just enough to make us hungry for the story. Very sweet and bright effect. High marks!

Aine said...

I've always wondered what stories a tree would tell if it could talk. Thanks for sharing your version!