The Dancers

   There are times when I ponder things in life that make no sense.  I am not sure why these things even occur to me but they do so I ponder.  Today's ponderance...do plants have emotions?  Seriously.  Do ferns feel joy when the rains fall?  Do lilies fret when a frost is imminent?  Do trees feel love and friendship for those growing next to them?  While most folks would say a hasty "No.  That is impossible."  I wonder.  Why not?  And how would we know?  Granted, they do not have brains as we know brains but what if...what if there was some other way that scientists have not discovered?  Humans are not the only smart beings on this old earth.  (To be honest, I totally wonder if we are smart, at all.)

  Down by the marsh near the east side of the property, there are a couple of old dead pine trees that were struck by lightning several years ago.  While the trees were among the living, it was hard to tell where one's branches ended and the other's began.  They were all entwined and also had vines twisting about them making matters worse.  Since the lightning strikes, however, the trees have become devoid of needles and the vines died.  Now, a few sparse limbs remain.  The two trees look as if they were holding hands...uhh...branches.  In fact, it appears that they were quite chummy and were lovingly dancing while their world crashed about them!  Perhaps the one was trying to be supportive of the other even in their dying days.  Who knows?

  In all seriousness, folks.  Be kind.  Be supportive of those who may be near wit's end but not showing it.   Sometimes, those who appear to be the strongest are near the breaking point.  They carry on as if nothing is wrong simply because they have no one to support them or give them much needed attention. Reach out.  Life is hard enough as it is so just be kind.