Bristlecone Pine

Scribbly Response 2 page 14 –

(“Zap! You’ve magically transported into this ancient Bristlecone Pine. You’re 5070 years old. You aren’t jus in the tree. You are the tree for 24 hours. What do you experience and what do you unexpectedly discover?”)

Today, I have been granted the rare gift of consciousness, the ability to experience the world around me in a way that I have never known before. I will be a tree. Not just any tree, a Bristlecone Pine. The oldest tree on Earth as a matter of fact and I will see the world through its eyes for 24 hours.

If my inner rings were revealed to you, they would indicate I have been standing tall for over 5,000 years. Not only did I become the tree physically, I am also privy to it’s entire life; history and memories through it lifespan. Witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, the passing of countless seasons, interactions of forest animals, passersby, and the evolution of those lives on this planet.

I slowly morph into the tree and feel my roots stretch out sinking deeper and further out into the soil. My branches are reaching towards the heavens in a victorious stance. I can feel the wind and the sun touching my needles and warming my bark. As I open my eyes, I see the world in a completely different way.

The view from here is breathtaking. I can see the mountains, the valleys, and the endless expanse of the sky. I feel a sense of awe and wonder, as I realize how small I am in the grand scheme of things. I am shocked that I do not feel the outside elements that each season dictates. I often wondered if trees “felt” cold or were annoyed by the rain. Now I feel it. Now I comprehend it. It simply is. I am one with the tree, part of its life, it’s history. I have aged, gained wisdom, and feel very much at home in my new skin.

As the day goes on, I become more aware of my surroundings and have adjusted somewhat to the experience of being a tree. I am filled with a sense of calm and stability. I feel almost stoic. I notice the animals that call my branches home, the birds building nests and flit from branch to branch, the tiny insects that crawl on my bark and those who gnaw and crawl in between my layers.

The other trees that surround me seem young and immature by comparison. I am the old guard. I am part of a complex ecosystem, and every living thing around me plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature, my needles, cones and roots making contribution to the cycle of life.

As the sun begins to set, I feel a sense of peace and contentment. I have spent a day as the bristlecone pine, and I have seen the world in a way that few others ever will. I have experienced the beauty and complexity of nature, and I have gained a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.

As the darkness falls, I close my eyes, knowing that my time as the tree has come to an end. This has been an incredible experience but not one I would want to endure for another five thousand years.

I will always carry with me the memories of this day, the experiences and discoveries that have enriched my soul and my understanding pf what it takes to be a tree. And as long as this tree continues to stand, I will cherish having been part of its legacy.

It was incredible to bear witness to the passing of time and the enduring power of life as a Bristlecone pine – even if only for 24 hours...