Peach Tree, Alone

I love trees.

I confess they are, for me, an intriguing subject. I like trees in groves, or in the deep woods. I like solitary, stately trees. I like trees with unique character that makes them standouts. I like trees whose special features are revealed in inclement weather. I like them all.

The tree in this photo is unusual. It has neither a stately presence nor structural beauty. It’s missing leaves on some of its branches. It seems lonely, stranded, sad.

And yet, it struggles to hang on, and in so doing, it evinces important virtues: courage, persistence, hardiness. For me, it symbolizes a strong will to live in the midst of so many rocky challenges. I ask myself, will it, in proper season, bear fruit?

Symbolism aside, I find the soft, pastel-like colors of its grassy surroundings to be soothing, inviting, calming. No, it is by no means a pretty tree, but its strange shape does not belie its deeper significance for me.

But, what do you think? Do you see in the image the qualities I see, or do you perceive something different? Feel free to comment about it and let me know.

You’ll find this photo, and others, in my Trees Collection. Click the Photos tab and it’ll take you right there. I hope you’ll like what you see there and that you’ll find an image that calls out to you.

Published by Norman Reid

I worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 27 years in the field of rural community and economic development. I retired a few years ago and have been devoting my time to photography and writing. I've been a semi-pro photographer for more than 25 years and sell my work on the Web. I live in rural Virginia not far from the Shenandoah Valley.

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