Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Secret Tree

In those days secrets were well kept...
-Stuart Symington


Everyone should have a secret tree. This is mine. This is the tree I would sit under, from the time I was nine years old, whispering secrets and bearing my soul.


You can't tell by looking, but buried deep beneath the moss and bark, this weathered tree holds my inmost thoughts. For twenty years, it's absorbed and guarded the details of my life.



I visited the tree today. She knew me right away, I think. Just like old times, I sat beneath branches and told her things. And just like old times, she listened quietly, taking it all in.


Millie and I stayed until clouds rolled in, dark and heavy. Then we turned toward home, lighter for leaving our cares at the secret tree....

14 comments:

Shelley in SC said...

So sweet! Hopefully we all had a "secret tree" somewhere as children where we could unburden our childish hearts!!

paisley penguin said...

That tree is wonderful!

Vintage Girl said...

I think we should all have a special place to go to unload our burdens. I'm so glad you have your special tree. I keep you in my prayers. Blessings, Heather

Elenka said...

Everyone should have a tree like that.
What did Millie talk about??

Unknown said...

Lovin the tree and post!

tara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tara said...

cute :) this post reminded me of one of my fav childhood books ' The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. brought back great memories. I wonder if this specific tree has absorbed any other little girl or boy's dreams and thoughts and wishes on hot summer days? Isn't it great to have Millie? If I had one of those trees I don't remember it. Heck, my childhood memories are light and worry free - which is why I continually yearn to be 5 years old again. Before things got complicated and adult-like.... oh but every age has its advantages and adventures. Thanks for letting us in on this piece of your childhood.

The Blogless Sister said...

Aren't you excited about your new life - even though you must miss Freeman House more than all your readers put together? You have a wonderful way of finding strength, even in situations where the obvious solution would be kleenex and Gilmore Girls on dvd.
I saw the drawings of your new cottage on the link you posted the other day, it looks great and I hope you will get it built. You can call it Wisdom Cottage :-)
What about Henrybellas, will you re-open soon? Not that I'm in the neighbourhood, being on the other side of the Atlantic, but I'm sure your little town is suffering from severe brownie withdrawal symptoms...
//Tine, Denmark

Sami Jo said...

Awww... I love your pic with your dog... aren' they good friends...

MEME said...

BRIN PLEASE CHECK YOUR EBAY MESSAGES!! THANK YOU MINA

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

There was a tree in my childhood back yard--don't remember the kind. When we moved there, there was a narrow hoe head in the fork of the tree, and the tree had grown up around it just enough that the hoe would come out unless we cut it; we didn't. Over the years from time to time, I would notice the hoe disappearing bit by bit, into the center of the tree. This is what came to my mind as I read your post. Loved it! Thanks. C

Sissy said...

I love it. Would love one of my very own!

Lallee said...

I love this post. My (grown) son has a secret tree right now. I understand why he is drawn to it. I'll have to tell him there is a name for it. I know he will understand.
Hugs,
Lallee

PeaPod said...

LOVE this post. Brought tears to my eyes.