Recently, I’ve been enjoying a small, illustrated volume by the early 20th century German author Hermann Hesse. Appropriately titled Trees, it is a compilation of Hesse’s essays and poetry about a subject he clearly loved, the many species and situations of trees that graced his life.
Sensitively written, his writings explore the features of the trees he encountered from his childhood to his declining years. At the same time, he is often introspective as he probes the trees’ meaning for his life. This charming book is filled with Hesse’s own paintings of the trees that populated his time on earth.
I, too, have a long fascination with trees, and I include here some of my favorite photographs of trees.
What role do trees play in your life? Are there trees in your current life or in bygone years that have special meaning for you? If so, honor them and give them a special place in your heart.
