the Pole and the Palm

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Once upon a time there lived a lonely tree. Its thick trunk rooted heavy palms to the crumbling pavement. Hot asphalt surrounded his base and an unforgiving wall inched closer with each passing season. Overheated cars nudged and dripped oil like a big brother teases. Pesky weeds whispered threats in his ears and overhead crows nagged. The cool ocean breeze would torment the lonely tree with memories of sandy beaches, loving families and the deep blue ocean. Reminiscing of days when an ocean view was part of his daily routine made the tree sad. Cold buildings stared at the tree and laughed during each sunset. As the sun sank, the tree was left in a dull shadow, alone and tired. Concrete surged closer like ill hallucinations of a childhood fever. Modern architecture breathed fumes and soot into the air eliminating the ocean scent. The tree grew weak and collapsed at the hand of depression. Grumpy outbursts at passing tourists become frequent and the palm was reduced to a helpless stump.

tree_close.jpgAfter years of sorrow, the tree was awaken by the squeaky brakes of an oversized truck. The tree, familiar with the noises of construction, closed his eyes and fell back to sleep. Long desired friendship ran through his mind as he dreamt of forgotten memories. He yearned for interaction, the prick of a sign tacked to his trunk, the glue of tape and the warmth of a child’s climb. The tree began to cry. As sobs dripped down his stump, he was awoken by the gentle wipe of a hearty tear. His red eyes met those as brown as the ground he once grew from. He stared long and breathed slow. His heart began to beat and his mouth fell open. He reached out to his mysterious friend with a rejuvenated smile and a hug that can still be seen today.


Do you think the pole came first of the palm? Where does this embrace take place?

1 Response to “the Pole and the Palm”


  1. 1 Dan Schonberg Feb 7th, 2008 at 1:19 pm

    I think the pole (behind Cessy’s) is the palm tree reincarnated.

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