Highway 68 Revisited
by Sharmagne Leland-St.John
Just a tad under 900 miles from my home in California,
there is a tree I call my “Landmark Tree”. When I used to drive alone, straight through from L.A. to Taos that tree kept me awake for the last 11 miles because I knew I was almost home.
Locals call this tree “The Welcome Tree” it is alternately known as “The Pilar Tree”.
About ten years ago someone/vandals tried to cut it down. I suppose for firewood.
It survived the assault but now wears a terrible scar on its lower trunk. It no longer bears leaves, yet it speaks to me of resilience.
It stands there in all seasons branches reaching high into the heavens holding up the clouds.
Someday I’ll write a love letter to that tree and slip it into the mailbox. I am grateful for it bringing me home safely so many times.
somewhere stands a tree
its bare and naked branches
tickle the blue sky
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