on reaching for the sky

This tree came from one of those little twigs in a bag they give out to school children once a year. My niece and I planted it in my garden about a decade ago.

Last year at this time, the uppermost branch formed a perfect question mark. I swore I had a picture of it, and of course, I can’t find it anywhere. But you can still sense that it was there, this question, traced in the air…

I wish I could say that I’ve found the answer. That I was inspired to look at life in a new way, or to see it as some sort of message from mother nature or some other higher power.

But all I have are questions.

And every time I look at that tree I see it there, still,
a big question mark. Trying to tell me something.

Since last year, the branch has grown, spread itself out,
become (almost) a straight line.

Pointing towards the sky.

I want to look up
and see a hawk
fly itself like a kite
just above the spot
where I stand.

But I’m not there, yet.

The sun is still in my eyes.

P.S. This post is part of You Capture – Reaching


13 Responses to “on reaching for the sky”

  • julochka Says:

    last year around this time, i saw a nearby tree with two ginormous pinecone-like things on it. they were very out-of-character for the tree, which otherwise had no evidence of pinecones whatsoever. i still think of those when i walk past that tree, tho’ they are long gone. i’ll admit i’m glad it wasn’t anything to do with a questionmark, becuase i’ve got enough questions at the moment. sigh. 🙂

    • Mrs. Mediocrity Says:

      it sounds like you do have enough questions on your plate these days…but the answers will come, years ago, in a six month period of time i had a baby, graduated from college, bought a house, got my first full time job, and bought a new car…a lot of change in a short period…but somehow things just seem to work out the way they are supposed to. at least that is what i always tell myself…

  • Debi Says:

    Oh, it is so obviously pointing toward the sky, a sign if ever I saw one, me who follows arrow shaped leaves on the ground because I am sure they know the way better than I. I think questions right now are all you need, yes, and eyes to watch for that hawk. Maybe sunglasses. 🙂

  • Tracy Says:

    I think any comment I make would pale in comparison to this post! I’ll just say this (and I know you enjoy this poet):

    Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer. – Rainer Maria Rilke

  • Marcie Says:

    What lovely words accompanying this sweet tree. You must share with this tree a desire to reach and grow towards the limitless sky!!!

  • beth Says:

    I love this….
    and me too….lots of questions mixed with lots of faith and hope and on those really questionable days…prayers….
    happy weekend….

  • beth Says:

    {no real bribes for the bird….that’s just me writing and trying to be funny….LOL}

  • Jen Higgins Says:

    That is a neat picture. I like the contrast of the dark tree against the blue sky.

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