The Autobiography of Mr. Maple Tree (By Ethan)

  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.