07 November 2010

Survivor [Old apple]

Another old apple tree survives as little more than a cankered stump. Half dead, riddled by beetles, bark flaking, it nevertheless hangs on, and still puts out a few flowers on a handful of thin, wiry branches. One winter it'll probably be turned into firewood, and another inspiration will pass into memory.

As I walked past, it held out this bouquet like an offering. "Here,"it said, "remember me."

 
[4 November 2010; Canon 20D, 300 mm f4 L IS, ISO 200, 1/1600 at f4]


All content © 2010 Pete McGregor

6 comments:

Zhoen said...

And the bugs and little organisms call it home.

Relatively Retiring said...

It also says, 'Old branches bear the sweetest fruit','The withered stump with stands the gale', and many other Senior Citizen mis-quotes!
Old apple trees also make the best firewood, but perhaps one shouldn't mention that?

beadbabe49 said...

lovely...again!

pohanginapete said...

Zhoen, nice thought. A real community in that old tree.

RR, apple wood is also beautiful to turn — it cuts cleanly and polishes to a lovely sheen. I'd almost forgotten (I've done no turning for years now). Potentially a much better use than firewood.

Thanks Beadbabe :^)

leonie said...

the idea that the tree is offering you a bouquet really appeals to me.

perhaps that is indeed the offering it is giving you because you choose to notice it.

pohanginapete said...

Leonie, thanks — I like that idea, and like to believe it's true.