Monday, August 26, 2013

I am now a bonsai tree

    Twelve years ago, an old gardener decided to plant two seedling bonsai trees in the same container. . . .


    At once, the two seedlings found one another, wrapping their leaves together, entwining until their very beings grew as one.  It was beautiful really, how the two became as a mangrove, even their roots wrapping together in places no one else could see.  
    The gardener perceiving their unified strength, gently transplanted them into some fertile soil outside.  At first they braved many storms, growing closer all the while.  But then as years passed, something changed.  It was subtle, maybe even so slow neither bonsai felt it at first . . . still, change they did.
    One bonsai grew stronger, slightly overpowering the other with sadness and anger.  The smaller bonsai tried to be strong, doing everything . . . anything.  But slowly, the smaller bonsai began losing strength.  And the bigger bonsai, unhappy in its own way, lost strength as well.
    The leaves browned.  Their bark no longer had a healthy feel.  They were dry . . . dying.
    And so, the old gardener, after watching their demise, decided to pull the two trees apart.  But he had to cut so much that by the time he'd untangled roots and branches, there was hardly anything left of either tree.
    He set them in separate containers, on opposite windowsills in his quaint little house.
    As the months passed, both trees grew.  The smaller bonsai, stretched and strained.  The larger bonsai, leaned toward the sun, reveling in the solitude.  And as summer came, both trees began to blossom.  And for the first time, both trees saw each other for what they were: The smaller bonsai had orange blossoms.  The larger bonsai had a thick trunk and reddish leaves.

   As the two bonsais felt each other across the room, they were no longer saddened, angry, or fearful, instead they saw the facts for what they were: they'd been two different breeds, and if you know anything about bonsais, it's that the only kinds that should be in the same container are those of the same breed.

24 comments:

  1. This is both beautiful and sad. Hugs!

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  2. Hopefully both bonsai will continue to blossom.

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  3. Stunning imagery. Thank you for sharing your beautiful mind with us. I'm sad for you...and hopeful. Keep writing.

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  4. Well done, Middle Child. Well done.

    Love,
    Your Mother From Another Planet

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  5. It's a beautiful story, told by a poetic mind. But, still, I hope this only applies to bonsai, not people, dogs, and so many other parts of our Universe, where a little cross or mix does everyone some good.

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  6. Bonsai's have no fun at all haha mix and match is fun

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  7. Hopefully one day Bonsai will learn the art of grafting. Bonsai are still a young breed.

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  8. Thanks for sharing. Deep-rooted and sincere.

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  9. Beautiful. I agree that when it comes to the mind and goals we should be alike. As people we have to be heading in the same direction or one person, at least, is going to be pulled from what they want. Hope you are finding time to smile.

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  10. I'm so sorry and shocked to hear about your divorce. I completely understand. Sometimes it's much better to part ways than to let things get worse. No judgement on anybody's part.

    But I have complete faith in you and that everything will turn out fine. You're honestly one of the strongest people I know. No matter what life throws at you, you seem to come out on top with both wit and grace.

    I know I don't usually post comments here but I do read all of your posts and while I loved your adventures with Cade, I know I'll ultimately love wherever life takes you to next.

    If you need a shoulder to cry on or anything else, just email me and I'll get back to you ASAP. You're a wonderful human being and I have complete confidence in you.

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  11. Beautifully stated. I wish you happiness.

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  12. So poignantly beautiful. I am praying for you, my friend.

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  13. What a beautiful analogy--you'll grow & flower again, Elisa!!

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  14. I think you will grow and create even more wonderful works in the future. You are strong.

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  15. What a beautiful allegorical story! Good to see you again, Elisa!

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  16. Wow. That's a beautiful way to look at life - through the life of a a bonsai tree. Peace and strength be with you.

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  17. I read your most recent post first. Then this one. I have chills. And tears.

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  18. Dear Elisa, you write so well; and you think so deep. Peace.

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  19. Painfully beautiful.

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  20. I. Completely. Understand.

    (((HUGS)))

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  21. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to let go and continue to grow.

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  22. When I left my comment here back in August, I had no idea you were writing about your divorce. I'm so sorry if my comment may have appeared a bit strange.

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  23. When I left my comment here back in August, I had no idea you were writing about your divorce. I'm so sorry if my comment may have appeared a bit strange.

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  24. This information is really awesome and very attractive for me. Thanks for the sharing the information about Bonsai Tree.

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