A conversation with trees

I spent New Year’s Eve with three friends at Robertson Quay. Incidentally, the new year also ushered in a fresh list of places banning smoking. As such, I had to walk toward the river to find a nice spot for my much needed ciggy after a hefty dinner.

Two puffs in and I noticed a group of three trees right in front of me. As my mind quiets down and filters out the din from the vicinity, I gradually start to feel the trees’ presence. Apparently, they were having a nice evening chat.

I asked them what they were talking about - I’ve always want to learn more about trees, not from the books, but from them, directly.

“We’re discussing about treeness,” one of them replied.

“Ah, but what is treeness?” I asked, I vaguely know it’s about the being of a tree, but I needed specifics.

“Treeness just is. It’s what we are. Our being. And, my dear friend, there’s a lot to talk about treeness when one is a tree.” answered the older, wiser one amongst the three.

As I was pondering his response, he added “We have noticed this about man. There is not much discussion about human-ness. We’ve been trying to understand you better, but it’s all chatter about things outside a human-ness. Why is that?”

“That’s a keen observation,” I replied, “I have found that out about our people too. I have wondered about that sometimes.”

By then, I puffed my last and decided to rejoin my friends. I thanked the trees for their friendship and wisdom. Tonight, on the last day of 2008, they’ve given me something to think about.