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As part of the campaign to stop logging in the Ourimbah State Forest, Tea for Trees organisers have invited community members to contribute stories about trees. The Point is delighted to be working with the campaign organisers to publish these tales about trees.
Jacaranda Magic by Marylynne Stadtmiller
The old Jacaranda standing tall in our Aunty Carmel’s backyard stoically withstood the onslaught of three little girls some sixty years ago.
It’s gentle limbs were strong and spaced apart perfectly to allow rapscallions to scale it’s enormous height, providing a haven for adventure and imagination to run riot.
Beautiful leaf fronds twirling in the gentle wind would beckon to us while a carpet of lilac-purple enticed us to climb, and so we did, nestling into our comfortable perch, hugged safely by the branches.
Sometimes soft flowers would rain down on us while fronds tickled our cheeks, all brought on by soft afternoon breezes. It was all very magical as we made up stories of princesses, treasure, cowgirls and spaceships, giggling all the while.
And, of course, the urge was too irresistible, we carved our initials in our host’s trunk and for a few years after, it was exciting to see them still there, but, as we grew, so did our Jacaranda and time and the shedding of bark eventually erased our mark.
To this day I am compelled to give our old friend a big hug when we visit.
It’s funny that this giant childhood tree is, in reality, quite small. We’d have climbed no more than two metres in height back in the day, thinking we were braving great danger and exhibiting enormous courage!
This makes our Jacaranda even more special all these years later. It’s magic was and still is, potent.
It’s wonderful to know that the young ones have followed in our climbing footsteps, enjoying the power of this old tree that provides shared memories linking generations.
What a great gift the old Jacaranda continues to bestow. Long may she bloom.
Tea for Trees invites you to think about a tree (or trees) that is a favourite of yours, that is special for you in some way, and to write a short story (or poem) about what this tree (trees) means to you.
From time to time all those who submit their story (or poem) will go into a draw to win an original painting of a koala by a local artist.
