An Ode to a Tree

In the center of every village stands a great, grand tree, easily a century old. It is the town's meeting place, a shady spot to nap, a landmark, the heart of the village. It is supremely graceful, its leaves reaching out in a perfect orb. Neither a neighbor or the elements has diverted it from its slow upward crawl to the sun. Outside the village the tree's cousins dot the landscape, each more striking than the last. The family is varied but even within the same species each tree tells a unique story of its patch of land over the past few decades.

A corner of the world

The toads hold their nightly conference on the doorstep under the flicking light. In quiet chirps they discuss the happenings of the day. Attendance is up tonight from yesterday to 28; there must be some juicy gossip to share.