Weathering , by Stacie Bandle, 2002

“Weathering”

     In a storm, a big tree may crack under the pressure and at times may release the branch that has taken the most pain. The winds will guide that branch to the ground and pass on; however, there is a particular strength in the part that remains.

     Trees will build tissue in response to stressers. They will strengthen the tissue on the side opposite to the stresser; the more stressers, the more strength. The trees that weather their years in an environment of wind, rain, and even young climbers will toughen, thicken, and strengthen themselves for the next attack. The small, fallen tress that litter the forest floor are too often those that in the face of the first pressure, gave way and lost themselves completely in the storm. What they lacked was the resilience gained from fighting off the small attacks, allowing a little to fall away to the ground, and building a stronger foundation to face the next storm.

Stacie Brandle

EIWP July 2002

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