Au naturel

The last few years, having paused to observe trees, I am in awe of their lives through the seasons. This time of year, when the deciduous variety find themselves naked against the impending cold and snow, trunks, exposed branches and twigs have their time in the sun. Trees stand against everything nature offers over the next six months, frost, wind, ice and snow. The elements may change their appearance but not their essence.

I often notice the trunks of birch trees, their white exteriors stand out in the forest. This one, on the side of Hackeney Road looks like it’s endured hard times. The trunk is gnarled in spite of its youth.

In Tyne Valley, three trees of the same species are devoid of leaves but still show a hint of red. The twigs form a filamentous wall in front of the house.

Walking between the raindrops one day last week, my husband and I ventured to the boardwalk in the late afternoon. It was a gray day and the moody sky and the late afternoon light accentuated the finest, most delicate twigs. 

We stopped to admire the layers of gray from sea to sky, with the band of light breaking through. How different the same scene will look with a blue sky. Regardless of the background, the tree draws attention.

Finally, a sunset along the boardwalk highlights young trees against the dimming light.

While their clothing is gone now, trees have much for us to enjoy during late fall and winter.