The sun peers at me wandering beneath the giants.
I pause beside an ancient one. She is broad and strong at the base, with outstretched branches reaching for the sky.
I continue wandering beneath the giants until I find him, the oldest one of them all.
His branches tremble and point towards a burned-out tree. The fire exposed its heart, but its thick bark protected it for many years.
I notice the toes of the tree curling. It is struggling to keep itself upright.
Then… whoosh, boom! It falls to the ground. The voices of the trees around it rise in a song of mourning.
The burned wood at its core falls away. Its wrinkled bark flakes off, exposing a more youthful surface. The hollowed out tree shares its soul with curious visitors who marvel at the wonder of its life.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Into the Woods
Photos taken at Kings Canyon National Park, California.
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Simply wonderful, Siobhan! Again, your writing for each photo is so meaningful.
Thank you, Egidio! I had fun writing that one based on the pictures I took.
Incredible!
Thanks, Sandy! Those were some impressive trees.
I love these beautiful giants!
Yes, they are beautiful!
Beautiful story and images Siobhan. Were you actually there when the tree fell???
Thanks, Tina! No, that tree fell long ago.
These giants are among my bucket list sights. Thank you for sharing with Sunday Trees.
I hope you see them one day. They are magnificent!
Kings Canyon is still on my list of parks to see. Perfect selection of photos for this week's challenges, Siobhan!
Thanks, John! Lots of giant trees there.
Those are giants that I just want to touch and see. Amazing!
Yes, they are! Much better to see in person.
Those giants are incredible. There is a story here that the tallest tree in the world was in Australia, back in the 1880's apparently, but then they cut it down to see if it was. lol.
Yes, they are incredible! What a funny story, Leanne. 😁
I recognised these scenes and trees from my visit to Grant Grove last year, but I love the way you've woven them into this story! Can you imagine what it would be like to actually witness one of the giants fall?!
Thanks, Sarah! When one of those giants fall, it must feel like an earthquake.
They are miraculous trees, aren't they? Great post, Siobhan.
Yes, they are! Thanks, Joanne.