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Perhaps you have a tree like this in your town.
In the park in my city there is an old oak tree that grows downward, instead of up to the sun.
Like a grandmother picking up children to place them on her knees, the heavy limbs of that tree’s bark is worn smooth by children who climb her day after day year after year.
She whispered softly that she’d grown downward to make it easy for the children.
Every limb is just the right size to sit or lay or put your arms around. She bends gracefully in a way that any child can rest or stretch or hold her in an embrace.
You can stay there unafraid, wrapped peacefully in her arms. And no matter what’s troubling you, she will dry your tears.
Full up to overflowing is my admiration for this tree who is so in love she’s bending down to kiss the children