last january, a wind storm damaged the trees in the garden at the back of my
apartment building. my house-sitter called me to new york, where i was
spending my vacations, because the tenants' council had to decide what to do
about the trees that were about to fall. i said that they had to be left
alone, that trees have a way to re-invent themselves. because they needed my
vote to cut down the trees, the tenants and the building owner were forced
to leave the trees as they were.
unfortunately, the winds in this city are very strong, and in april, with
the first frost, they pick up even more speed and strength.
a few days after easter, i was looking out the window when a sudden gust of
southern, frigid wind swept through the garden. and then another. and
another. during the next minutes, i saw how an old avocado tree, as high as
a 6-story building, fought for its life. this is no metaphor -- i could see
the tree bending and swaying, almost as if it were changing positions and
negotiating, while the wind grew to gale proportions. i heard windows
explode in several apartments. and then, i witnessed the most amazing thing
i've ever seen in my life: there was a loud crack and then -- i swear to
god -- a ROAR, and the avocado tree broke in half: the huge, leafy top flew
away like dorothy's house in the wizard of oz!!!
to this day, i still believe that in a tree-like fashion the avocado tree
made a decision: lose the half that will grow again, but keep your roots
where they belong.
spring is back, and the half-tree is not a half anymore. it's certainly
shorter but it is so much stronger than before.
i hope i'll be as wise as the avocado tree the next time i lose a lover.
wallyK
