The Tale of the Magnificent Tree
Everyone on the tour stood gazing at the magnificent tree as the tour guide explained the type of tree, its estimated age, and how it came to be planted so far from its natural habitat. He also explained how the tree became a cultural symbol of endurance because it had survived so much over its long life.
While the guide led the group in the chant, “Long Live the Tree!” I departed from the group to get a better look. I noticed a path leading to a spot behind the tree and hoped no one saw me as I quickly slipped away down the path. Once out of eyesight behind the tree, I looked above my head and realized the tree looked amazingly healthy from one side but had a gaping wound on the other. Did they know? Surely those who cared for the tree knew this, or did they? They wouldn’t see it unless they followed the path to the backside of the tree.
I returned to the group just as everyone began to follow the tour guide to the next stop. Making my way to the front, I came alongside the guide and asked, “Do you know that tree has a gaping hole on the other side?
The tour guide barely paused before saying, “Why do you believe this is true?”
“Well, while you were talking, I followed a path that went behind the tree and saw it.”
To my surprise, the guide stopped, turned toward me, and said, “Did you not understand that you are not to leave the path? You could be removed from the tour if you do not follow the rules. I would appreciate it if you did not mention what you saw. It will reflect badly on me as a tour guide.”
“But do you know the gaping hole is there? It is your prize tree, and it has somehow been wounded!”
The tour guide turned to continue walking as he said, “Yes, we know there is a wound that could kill the tree, but until it does—if we don’t mention it—the crowds will still come to see the tree that everyone believes will never die. Isn’t it magnificent? “
I looked back at the tree and had to agree that it truly was magnificent. I wondered how long it would take for the tree to begin to show signs of dying. I also wondered if might be possible to prevent that death if the wound was acknowledged and cared for instead of silencing those who pointed it out.
As the tour ended, the guide said, “Thank you for joining the tour. It is your support that enables us to care for the tree. Please visit our gift shop. Our limited edition of Ancient Wisdom from the Tree is currently being offered at a discounted price. Long Live the Tree!”
The crowd responded on cue with the same chant, “Long Live the Tree!” Then, they turned en masse and walked to the gift shop.
Once again, I parted ways with the crowd and headed to my car. I could see the tree from the parking lot and watched in horror as it seemed to shudder and groan before crashing to the ground. The impact felt like an earthquake as the tree vanished in a gigantic dust cloud.
The crowd emerged from the gift shop with a communal look of horror. Only a few noticed as I drove away, but quickly followed the crowd headed toward the tree. The tour guide was quick to adjust to the new reality as he encouraged the crowd to repeat the chant—with one minor change that would likely save his job.
“Long Live the Dead Tree!”
The crowd looked relieved and quickly began chanting, “Long Live the Dead Tree!” as they headed down the path to look at the tree that seemed even more magnificent in its death. I was confident the leaders would be able to enshrine the dead tree and carry on as usual. It was always possible a remnant would survive and grow again.
Author Note: The interpretation of this story is up for grabs, but the ending was inspired by this tree that became a symbol for my healing journey. From one side, the tree was a hollow shell; from the other side, new growth had created a new healthy tree. When the RV park where we lived and my husband was manager tagged the tree for removal along with others that had been damaged or diseased, I fought to save it, “Long Live the Dead Tree!”