The tree and me #18
Once again it has been quite a while since you’ve heard from me. My scribe tells me that folks are still interested in my existence and well being.
Specifically, they wondered if I and my various components survived the recent wind event on March 8 and 9. Those of you who pass by me on Union Street regularly can see that I’m still standing and a close up inspection revealed I didn’t even lose a branch. Guess I’m still quite tough. So now those readers who haven’t checked on me lately also know that I survived.
These were not the strongest winds I experienced in my life but still quite a challenge to an oldie like me. I’ve heard that humans who want to live a long healthy life perform a variety of exercises to achieve that. One that is emphasized is “core strengthening.” Well as the picture accompanying this writing clearly shows, my core is kaput, which translates as broken/shattered and in my case, mostly gone. It is presumably the result of a frightening lightning strike many years ago. I don’t recollect when it occurred and prefer not to. However, the scar is on my west side where I should be strongest to withstand the prevailing winds from that direction.
What has kept me upright is a wonderful characteristic of my species. It is known as “buttressing” and is most evident on my east side. Instead of a relatively straight trunk, as Sycamores mature they develop an ever wider shape starting at their base and then gradually tapering to a normal size. (I believe humans also mature into wider proportions but mostly around the middle of their bodies). Anyway, this buttressing gives us much greater strength to withstand the winds that nature challenges us with. Thankfully my trunk, even with the gaping hole, remains strong enough to stand the test of time and wind.
Your calendar says it’s spring, which I sense even without a core or calendar. As always, I’ll be looking forward to sap rising in me and buds appearing on my branches. Thanks for thinking of me and listening to my muttered meanderings.
