Arboreal Secrets

Branches spreading out, reaching towards the sky. Roots secreting their ways beneath the soil seeking out nutrients. The sun perpetuating the life of this ancient structure. What tales it could tell.

Bark gnarled and fissured providing handholds for those many who have climbed to find solitude and escape from the world.

A holiday out in the depths of the country. In the distance hills rising up to meet a glooming sky. Plans for walks, long walks to fill the mind with emptiness, an escape from the pressures of modern life, put on hold till the weather made up its mind. A good book, half finished, to lose myself in and a comfy relaxing spot is what was needed.

Beneath the large, ancient oak a swing seat strategically placed for those foot weary walkers or those, like me, wanting a little peace and isolation. Cushions for added comfort and a cosy throw to keep out the slight breeze that had sprung up. The branches of the tree began to groan and the leaves to make a gentle shushing sound, almost as though it were speaking to me.

The book I was eager to finish slid to the floor as my eyes closed and the soporific sounds of the tree and the soft bleating of nearby sheep lulled me into a deep sleep.

Coming round feeling fuzzy and muddle headed and not sure where I was. Looking at my surroundings I still wasn’t sure. I seemed now to be sitting on the cool, lush grass with my back resting against the bark of the tree. Distant hills still reaching up to a now cloudless blue sky, ‘Time for that walk,’ I thought. Pushing myself upright using the trunk of the tree as support I looked around. Things seemed different and yet the same. The manor house, my home for a few days, still stood there roses climbing up its walls. Well tended gardens surrounding it. I turned to look at the tree. I thought I must still be asleep and dreaming. The tree instead of being old and world weary seemed to have gained a new lease of life.

Walking around the massive girth of the tree I looked up, still muddle headed with half remembered visions and dreams from my sleep. The canopy seemed to have increased in size its leaves large and vibrantly green with its acorn fruits just emerging. Feeling adventurous I decided to climb, a little trepidatious considering my advancing years and lack of physical fitness, but footholds and hand holds seemed to be easy to find. I climbed to the top finding a secure place to rest between two giant branches. The air was cool up here with a gentle breeze and with that whispering as of voices through the leaves.

Looking down from my vantage point a group of people seemed to have arrived. Maybe there was going to be a party in the house although strange that Sally had not mentioned it. It must be a fancy dress do as they all seemed to be dressed up in Elizabethan type costumes. A juggler arrived much to the delight of the crowd and soft melodious music wafted across the lawn. Food was served on long trestle tables I wondered whether I should join the party but preferred to watch the festivities from above.

I settled into a more comfortable position and the warmth of the sun sent me off into another deep sleep. Waking again the party seemed to have dispersed, the lawn now empty of festivities and food. It had become quite cool and the sun had started to set, the sky tinged with wondrous colours and shapes. I began my descent, not quite as confident as in my upward ascent. I stopped half way to secure a better handhold and became aware of voices. Parting the leaves I saw a young couple below me, arms entwined gazing lovingly into each others eyes. Listening carefully I could hear some of their conversation.

‘This tree, this ancient oak, shall be the witness of my love.’ He bent down on one knee and offered her a ring. With a smile she held out her hand and he carefully placed the ring on her finger. Arms still entwined they walked towards the house.

Continuing my climb I eventually gained the ground and collapsed into the seat, my book lying open on the ground.

I was completely confused, not knowing what was truth or reality. The wind whispered through the leaves, and there sitting on the highest branches was a black cat staring with its emerald green eyes down at me. Not sure whether this was a real cat or another dream.

‘Thought you might like a drink.’ and there was Sally with a silver tray laden with a gin and tonic and some savoury nibbles.

She looked up at the cat in the tree, its glossy coat almost hidden by the branches.

‘I see Mephisto is observing the world from his favourite place. I’m sure he and the tree whisper secrets to each other, and I can see the tree has woven some of its ancient magic around you.’

She smiled and walked back to the house leaving me to sip my drink and consider the visions that this ancient tree had shared with me.