Random Act of Metaphor: The Gnarly Tree

Hmmm, are there onehundred rings inside that weathered trunk?

I was on a nature hikeyesterday when this massive tree caught my eye. My fertile mind immediatelynamed in the Gnarly Tree. I am not anarborist so I cannot speculate what those tuberous growths are or whether theyare harmful to the tree. I can attest that it gives the tree a lot ofcharacter.

Clearly, it is a veryold tree that has occupied its spot for many decades or perhaps even a hundredyears. It must have weathered countless storms – adding ring after ring to itstrunk to fortify itself. Indomitable comesto mind.

We can find inspirationfrom the Gnarly Tree for thetroubling times in which we are living. Every trial overcome is another ringadded. Every drought outlasted drives the roots deeper. Every illness survivedleaves a new gnarly growth as a tangible sign of victory.

TheGnarly Tree is a randomact of metaphor to declare that hardship toughens our core, that no one makesit through life without acquiring war wounds and that the determined survive tofight another day.

Wear your wounds proudlyas badge of honour. Celebrate that you have survived the test of time. Andabove all, do not be afraid to be gnarly.

~ NowAvailable Online from Amazon, Chapters Indigo or Barnes & Noble: HuntingMuskie, Rites of Passage – Stories by Michael Robert Dyet

~ Michael Robert Dyet is alsothe author of Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel whichwas a double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’swebsite at www.mdyetmetaphor.com .

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