The trunk split into five thick branches. Leaves in hues of
emerald green and cerise filled the center so that the tree resembled a hand
with its five fingers spread apart. The beautiful leaves fluttered over the
palm of this hand, nearly blocking my view of the dark and foreboding trees
beyond. Though the negativity called to me with its siren song of familiarity
and strange comfort, I kept my eyes on the giving hand.
It offered up a memory from my childhood: My mother was
taking me and my younger siblings on a long walk. It was an autumn day as we
strolled through McCarren Park in Brooklyn. The vibrant Fall colors of
vermilion, burnt golden orange, bright yellow and amber, and viridescent made
me feel happy.
I smiled at a squirrel who scurried industriously after some
acorns. I imagined how wonderful it would be if my family only consisted of my
younger siblings, my mom and myself. I sighed dreamily, inhaling the crisp
coolness of October air.
My mind returning to the present, I gazed at this generous
offering from nature. I decided that I will be more mindful of the direction my
mind usually takes. I will make an active effort to think about the parts of my
life that are good. I won’t focus so heavily on what I wish my life was like.
I smiled one last smile at the giving hand. The dark trees
still stood behind it, of course. However, I found it a little easier this time
to make them recede into the background.
Jessica S.
Oct. 2019
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