Today’s Daily Create WriteOut prompt [#clmooc #DS106 @ds106dc #tdc3931 #writeout ] is to find a plant that’s popped up through the cracks of pavement or rock. I have a favorite tree near Banks Lake that did just that– we’ve watched it grow— and die. Unfortunately drought, fire, and wind played a part in the life of this tree– which probably lived for over twenty years.– not long for a Ponderosa Pine. The oldest Ponderosa was 600 years old. We were saddened at this loss.
A Ponderosa Pine is identified easily because it’s long needles grow in threes.
I’ve written about this tree before, with more poetry and art, here: Day 572 Ponderosa Pine — some art and a better poem because it takes the voice of the tree rather than just the facts. I’ve also written about the art based on this tree’s photo here: Ponderosa Pine Art.
Cracks in the Rock
From a cone,
the tiny seed falls
lightly on the wind,
close to its beginning
Into a tiny crack
in basalt below.From a seed,
roots sprout about
quickly in its home,
the sapling feeding
and seeking sun
growing daily:
life finds a way.Note:
Sheri Edwards
Within two months,
the tap root
will grow 20 inches
and eventually roots will
grow to six feet deep,
and may spread 150 feet.
10.18.22 293.365.22
Poetry/Photography
Ponderosa Pine, also called Yellow Pine
Pinus ponderosa
Banks Lake, 2017
Life will find a way
1328 days of posts in a row on Ask What Else
This post is part of the October WRITEOUT adventure of the National Writing Project and the National Park Service — a STEAM-powered Write Out 2022. Organized as a public invitation to get out and create, supported by a series of free online activities, Write Out invites educators, students, and families to explore national parks and other public spaces. The goal is to connect and learn through place-based writing and sharing. Learn more and sign up: https://writeout.nwp.org
I wonder, if I draw a line... 