Lonely Tree

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Our long journey has taken us thousands of miles 
across the changing landscape.
We drive and traverse this winding ribbon of concrete,
passing lush, green grasses of the plains as majestic 
mountains loom ever present in the distance.

We crest and fall, twist and turn when it suddenly appears,
a single, solitary tree, so full of life, limbs and leaves
standing by the side of the road, alone in the middle
of nowhere surrounded by miles of grain and
perched high awaiting tired wings.

This lonely tree is a survivor out here
far from its companions that once stood stoically by its side.
Do its roots continue to reach out for these fallen brethren?
I've read where trees communicate with other trees,
giving life to them by sharing vital nutrients.
A sort of silent communal society.

I snap a picture just in time before we pass it by.
Justice, the picture fails to provide.
Its branches reaching far and wide.

I don't recall where I exactly stumbled upon this marvelous tree,
but it's image is seared into my memory.
Its broad trunk with mighty branches full of leaves
and its stubborn will to live and survive alone in this harsh
nothingness with its screaming winds, heavy snows, pouring rains,
hammering hails and occasional tornadoes.

Why did this lonely tree survive when others weren't so fortunate?
How many visitors shaded themselves under its leafy branches?
I envision laughing children climbing its limbs in search of the heavens.
I would sure love to return one day for I am sure this Lonely Tree
has one hell of a story to tell.

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