Among all ancient images and figures
The World Ladder or the Vital Tree
Is one of the most widely known symbols
In the old-age mythology. In many cultures
It is depicted as an agent of the universe,
As an abode of the spirits and gods,
As a mediator of prophecy and wisdom,
As a guide of metamorphoses and changes
When the tree transforms into the clear
And meaningful existence, bearing a sign
Of all divine -- the source of fertility.
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When I look at the towering sweetgum in my yard, now weighing several tons that 32 years ago was merely a single leaf popping up in my monkey grass. I could have ignored that leaf, but planted it in the yard instead. Where all that mass came from when the earth beneath remains the same, is an utter mystery, even though I know, scientifically, that the tree's mass is primarily from water it drew up from our infrequent but heavy downpours, and from carbon dioxide drawn from the air. High in its branches, birds sing, eat insects and make their nests.
A tree is, indeed, a wonderful thing to behold… Especially when it can reach such proportions that only 30 years.
Ron
Dan