by Bob Niles

by Bob Niles


The Neighborhood Anchor

I drove past our favorite tree early this morning. With the car window rolled down, and elbow protruding, as if to hold the window there, I breathed in deep the sweet perfume of Autumn. The bright soft green leaves of early Spring now lay crisp on the frosty ground. The bold reds of the Canadian Maple blanket the hatless acorns of the mighty Oak, as sunlight filters through the evergreen splendor of the towering Redwood Pine.
It's our tree! The one we all share separately together. On our way to work, in the neighbors yard, back in a quiet corner of the park. The one we all know as the neighborhood anchor. Houses and neighbors come and go, but our tree remains a living constant. It's location and Autumn splendor are different for everyone of us, but it's so familiar in how it brings that moments pause in our daily hustle at this time of year.
We were all born in different places, grew up with different families and traditions. From our diets to interests, religions, educations and location we all share an uncommon upbringing that is united in its beauty and wonder.
As a child you played under that tree. A few years go by and on a double dog dare you conquer it's lofty height. Then with your first love, under her dappled shadows, you steal your first kiss. Then it becomes a backdrop for our wedding photos. And then in a flash of a moment its a canopy that protects a picnic with the kids. And then again, all too soon, your final wedding vow is fulfilled, and time finds you alone with all your memories, as you sit on a bench in its cool shade on a warm Summer afternoon.
Our tree. For one more beautiful Autumn, its deep rooted continuity in our lives has again brought us to pause and marvel.

Bob Niles

superiordribble@blogspot.com


bobby did this