The reason this tree is being written about is because it is no ordinary
maple tree. An ordinary maple tree starts out as a seedling, then it sprouts,
and over a long, long time, after 10, 20 or maybe 30 years, it finally grows
into a tall, sturdy, thick, healthy tree. When it is old enough, the log is drilled,
the sap is collected and then boiled into syrup for your pancakes, or it is cut
and turned into a walking cane to help your 80-year-old grandma walk from
kitchen to dining room, or even the paper which I am writing this story on
now. But the thing special about this maple
tree is its leaves – in the spring it only grows one huge leaf.
I was
relaxing in a warm nursey, when I was lifted out of the ground. I closed my
eyes and prayed that the person carrying me wasn’t going to take me out of the
nursery. But he did. I looked up and saw that the scruffy-bearded man who was
carrying me had just flung me into a truck. He got into the truck, started the engine and
drove off. We drove up and down many roads. I knew a lot of the bumpy streets
we rolled over. Finally, we arrived at a marvelous-looking house. But I didn’t
have much time to admire the house before I was gently hoisted out of the truck
and shoved into the ground again.
I was very tired so I fell asleep. Next morning after I woke up I found
that a second tree had been placed about 10 yards from me. I shot a quick
glance at her. I gasped! She was the most awe-striking tree I’d ever seen. Her
leaves were a lush red and so soft-looking, that for a moment I thought they
were petals. Then I stared at her trunk. It looked very slender and smooth. I
reached down and felt my trunk. It was thicker then hers but just as smooth.
I wanted her to notice me, so I shouted out. “Hello!” The other tree
looked at me, smiled and said: “Hi! What
do you want?”
My leaves abruptly turned bright red. “Nothing.” I stuttered.
I was about to doze off again when I felt a sharp object sting my bark.
I looked down and saw a squirrel running up my trunk. I stayed still and
presently I saw that the squirrel had just ripped off one of my leaves. Then it
skittered back down and disappeared. I
finally fell asleep.
Next day was very chilly. The grass did not look as healthy and I could
hear the rose bushes groaning. I thickened my bark, (that’s how we maple trees
keep warm in the winter) and called to the other tree again “Uh, hello?”
“Yes, dear, do you need me?”
I was
astonished. It was the first time I had ever been called “dear”.
“Uh, well maybe later.” I said awkwardly.
“Okey.” Said
the other tree.
Just then a rose bush screamed out “Beware, sir tree! Beware of the
dreaded tree frost!”
I knew all too well what tree frost was. It was when the temperature dropped
below 25.5°F. This meant that our chance of
dying became 25% greater.
I flexed my bark to the thickest it would go, and shouted the warning to
the other tree.
“Thanks
for reminding me!” she responded. I could not believe the beauty of her voice.
I started to plot a plan to which I would get her attention.
My leaves fell and my bark got scratched up, but still I pondered. At
last, I had a plan!
It was the first day of spring; the air was
warm and pleasant. I decided to try out my plan. I forced myself to alter my
leaf growth and grew one of the most colossal leaves I had ever grown. It was
about the size of a woman’s hand! It was also mighty pretty. It hurt to do so,
and it meant I had a risk of not growing well, but it was worth it.
“Wow, that’s a marvelous leaf you have there, young tree!” The lady tree
exclaimed.
“Uh, thanks!” I groaned. It also hurt to talk.
“Are
you ok?” she asked.
“I’m alright. I have something to tell you.” I rasped.
“What? Go ahead.”
It took any and all of my courage, but I finally managed to say “I love
you!”
The other tree gaped at me “Do you really mean it?”
“Yes, I mean it. Do you like me also?” I whispered
“I sure do!” came the happy reply.
(Author’s note, this next event happened
4 months 7 days and 151 dates between the 2 trees later.)
We finally decided to marry. For a ring, I tore off the huge leaf I bore
and gave it to her.
A boy came home one night after his violin class with his mother; they about
to enter their house when he saw 2 trees who seemed to be smiling and blowing
kisses; one also held a gigantic leaf.
“Mom!” he cried. “Two trees are in love!”
“I saw them too.” his mom said solemnly. “I know all about them.”
“My, what a couple.” sighed the boy as they entered the house.
