Study No. 4: When people die

Some years ago

I made the acquaintance

of an old oak tree. She lived

at the corner of Opportunity

and Convenience.

Each day

was very much the same

with her. But it was the

familiarity that I enjoyed

the most.

In summer

she shaded us. In winter 

she stood boldly against 

the cold. 

She never told me that she was sick.

Is it better

to lose someone suddenly

or to have time

to say goodbye?

If she had

told me, would it have

changed anything.

When I woke that morning

I wasn’t prepared. There

was nothing left.

Twig.

Branch.

Root.

Nothing.

The clean-up crew was very thorough. 

There were reasonable explanations.

She was contagious.

She had lived a long life.

She had no other options.

This was the best thing 

for everyone.

I am only one person,

but this was 

not good

for me. 

Where do trees go when they die?

It was just a tree.

they say

Will I ever get to see her again?

There will be others.

they say

Will she know how much I loved her?

This must be hard for you.

they say

Why are there

so many questions

when people die?

Goodbye friend.

I’m gonna miss you.