Yes, the stately beings grow old gracefully… And so should we. You made me think of the sweetgum that I planted from a single leaf I found in monkey grass 35 years ago. And what a stately tree it became, weathering my continual pruning to try to keep it from damaging my and my neighbors' garages as it grew over them and shaded them. But it's roots were destructive to my walkways and driveway. Last year, I had to cut it down. At least it died young and left a good corpse of hardwood and firewood. I mourn its shade and its view from the street in my house.

Ron

Beautifully rendered thoughts and your words gave the reader (me) wonderful thoughts.