One day.
That’s all it takes.
On Monday I drove past a manly oak. He was standing bold and proud in his nakedness, back-lit against a slate gray sky.
“I want to paint him,” I thought, “just as he is–without adornment.”
But I did not stop to take a photo.
Tomorrow….
Tomorrow came and I went–with my camera.
But he had veiled himself.
Fingerlings of leafy spring had flourished from dusk to dawn, shrouding his physique like a shy bridegroom on his wedding night.
Beautiful? Yes, this, too.
But the purity for me had been masked.
In just one day.
Manly Oak
Beautiful manly oak! I love your posts, and I love you too! Have a blessed day, dear Gayle!
Thanks, Canda. Me too–you too!
I, too, love the trees in winter, Gayle – to see their beautiful structure. Not many people exclaim over a bare tree. Instead, they rejoice for the flowering cherry or the leafed out Maple. And, I admit I do, too, but I also admire a tree’s architecture. I would not be surprised if we, too, have such an inner structure, a basic framework, not of timber or steel, but a spiritual architecture. Without all the outer adornments that are always changing, it is our inner structure that remains our ‘constant’ – strong,supportive, and hidden unless we look for it. Do the trees in winter remind us to do so? And oh yes, Man Oak is absolutely stunning!
You are such a writer, Rita! Your words live and breathe life. Can’t wait for your next book.
Stunning! Thank you for bringing some beauty into a rough day! Thanks for being you!
Hi Sweetie. Beauty is like the sandpaper of rough days. Glad the oak helped polished yours up a bit!
Nice. Spring showers + one warm day = green whiskers on your man.
Lovely photo.
Gary + poetic words= a manly spring!
Gayle, you really can see through to the essence of life & being. Thanks for reminding us of our elegant simplicity and our fleeting moments. May love and beauty surround your every breath. Sandy
Hi Sandy, Thank you yet again for your sweet words. I do so love love and beauty! (elegant simplicity, indeed :-))