My Favorite Tree

My Favorite Tree

by Marilyn Mackenzie

The tree outside my window isn't my all time favorite tree.  My all time favorite was the cherry tree I climbed daily in my backyard from about ages 8 to 11.  That's where I learned to write poetry and to draw pictures to match them.  I also learned to love sweet, juicy cherries.  And it was fun knowing that I was the only kid on the block - amongst boys or girls - who could climb that tree without a boost or a footstool to help.

But that was long, long ago.  Now my favorite tree is the one outside my kitchen window.  I have written about it before, and even shared a few pictures.  That wonderful tree has given me life lessons in the 3 years hubby and I have been marrried.  Each year after all the other leaves have fallen, there is one that hangs on.  It perseveres as the autumn winds blow, and later when harsh winter winds arrive with gusto.

Here is my now favorite tree on February 22.  See the leaf hanging on?

Here is the tree again on March 7.  Notice the snow on roofs nearby?  Still the leaf hung on.

The leaf finally gave up and dropped off, but only when the new buds were starting to show.  Here is that same tree on March 7.

And here is how my favorite tree looks today.  Isn't it amazing how just a few days or a week can make such a difference in how our world appears?