taller, stronger
weathering the decades
with outstretched arms
As I think back to my childhood, fishing and canoe-camping on remote lakes in Canadian-shield country, I realize eastern white pine trees (Pinus strobus) have always been my friends. They have always been my favourite tree
Eastern white pines are magnificent, standing tall and growing from seemingly inhospitable rocks on small islands in the Kawartha Highlands (this was not a park when I was a child). Or, locally where I live now, I see them lined up along areas that are well drained- sandy ridges left over after the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. White pine trees tell us about the land.
battered giant
rising from the granite
watching over all
There is an eastern white pine growing tall between our home and our neighbours, so I get to say hello every day. It’s been pretty beat up over the years, but still weathering high winds, snow, and changing seasons.
Some of my favourite Canadian art includes pine trees, and I have noticed that these trees can be captured perfectly with minimal brush strokes. I took me more than minimal brush strokes to do the artwork, above, but I will keep practicing.
They are, quite simply, stunningly beautiful trees.
© Christopher M Buddle 2024
Nature's Reverie 