Wood Sprite Market

  When I was a tyke, Pop used to take me with him when he would plow the fields.  I would play in the soft dirt while he plowed.  Since I was out in the middle of the field, it was easy for him to keep an eye on me.  He could work and I could play.  This was a grand deal for Mom, as well, as she could either get a bit of rest or get some sewing accomplished.  I had a delightful time playing in the dirt but occasionally, I would wander close to the woods just to inspect some flower or small critter.  Pop kept a watchful eye out on me but let me explore.  The old dog would always be at my side so all was safe.

  One of my favorite trees was the Red Maple.  Even before the leaves budded out, the "wings" would turn the tree bright red.  That red would stand out against the darkness of the surrounding woods.  I remember searching the ground beneath the tree for the "sprite wings".  To any person in the know, these sprite wings were actually the samaras or winged seeds.  The double wings allow the samara to rotate when it falls from the tree.  This rotation gives the seeds an extra boost as they float on the wind.  This is to ensure there is plenty of space for the seed to take root.  But!  In my wonderful imagination, these were sprite wings and the maple tree was sort of like some immense shopping market where sprites could buy new wings once theirs became tattered from use.  (We all know that sprites do not grow their own wings, now don't we?)  Anyway, to say the least, I was always fascinated by the winged seeds.

  Today, I was just as enamored with the Red Maple samaras.  It was late afternoon when I was hiking down behind the canebrake.  A dozen or so raucous blue jays were trying to scare off the Cooper's Hawk and I wanted a photograph.  Sorry to say, I never made it to observe the hawk.  The setting sun caused the Red Maple to be ablaze with beauty! My interest immediately turned to the winged seeds.  What a flood of memories hit my brain!  I was taken back to the woods behind the fields! Those bright wings just dangling on the limb waiting for a wood sprite made me smile.  Yep, sometimes it pays to have an overactive imagination.....and happy memories.