BOTM (Bead Of The Month) No. 51

A tree keeps many deep and silent secrets. It grows slowly over centuries -- bending and bracing against the storms -- birthing, then losing, its leaves through the changes of the seasons. A tree bears witness to the lifetimes across eons -- from the ancient age of elves and unicorns and the first children of men -- to the passing of kingdoms, wars, industry, and skyscrapers. A tree is often used without thanks, carries its burdens without complaint, and sacrifices itself to shelter lesser life. Every tree presses its gnarled fingers deep into the dark earth, to hold a steadfast grip and draw nourishment up from the secret depths through its tangled veins. Every tree has a beating heart hidden beneath its roots that throbs with the wordless songs of life eternal.