Men grow beards to give the essence of older, wiser. Buildings grow ivy to camouflage the stains and scars of the winds of misfortune, giving them a sage, softer look as they harbor dragonflies, sparrows and other insects and flowers blooming occasionally. The namesake of the Ivy League gives brick buildings a sense of being older and containing wiser information.

I have found out the truth of the matter. My grandparents bought two farms across the road from each other. They chose the better barn and outbuildings and ivy-covered substantial farmhouse to live. While they farmed across the road, they rented out the two-story ramshackle clapboard house.

After my grandparents died, I happened by the place and saw that while the ramshackle house had been renovated to look quite good and substantial, the ivy-covered brick house was gone. It seems that the ivy's roofs work their way into small cracks in the mortar and eventually with winter heat and cold, tear down the brick buildings faster than those same conditions without Ivy.

Ron

ivy is just trying to ssutain itself as most living things do, as we do as well

Perhaps that is why ivy is so flourishing; it becomes bloated with knowing too much of what goes on in all those building.

Me being sensitive to the symbolism of everything natural in life: perhaps the ivy is indicative of connections and friendships because of its tendency to interweave in growth. Perhaps it's an example of the twists and turns friendships take, and a testimony to the lasting connections and bonds we form with good friends that last throughout the years. Perhaps one might construe growth, renewal, connection, friendship, and opportunity, in the ivy. All the same, it still looks great on some buildings, especially when its maintained. Thanks for sharing. Regards. rlc