NEW GROWTH FROM OLD

    One advantage of the Pacific Northwest is the abundance of old growth
forests.  With such a plethora of undergrowth, one would have to dig deep,
through the dead and decaying undergrowth, in order to find the soil in
which the big old trees had taken root so long ago.  In the cycle of birth
and death, without new growth to replace that which has completed its cycle
and died, the whole forest would eventually die.

    Blame not the existing trees, the source of seeds which contain all that
is necessary for new life.  The proper medium (like soil) in which the seeds
can thrust tiny roots is needed.  It is through these little roots that the
seed receives or draws up much needed moisture and nutrients.  Eventually a
tiny shoot emerges, or peeks through this medium.  All nature rejoices for a
new life is born!

              A giant Oak, in the forest, fell,
              Not shattering all those around,
              Nor causing havoc in its wake,
              Just gently, silently coming down..

              Unlike most other living things,
              Whose usefulness remains no more,
              'Tis nature's way that Oaks remain
              A valuable contributor.

              Where else could seeds thrust tiny roots,
              Which found this Oak in which to dwell?
              Where else could seedlings start to grow,
              Enriched by that old Oak which fell?

              Though pronounced dead, that tree still lives
              Through trees whose seeds took root in it.
              May our lives offer Room and Board
              That other souls may benefit.

      When an old decaying tree dies and falls, it becomes the host for
seeds that fall and take root in it.  This is called a "nurse tree."  It
furnishes the medium in which these seeds root, take nourishment and are
able to grow tall and straight.  Though death over take us, may memories of
us and our lives, continue to nourish other minds and souls.   Carol Werner




 

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