Books by the old Leather Chair

  • Snow In The Summer
  • My Bible
  • The Power of Silence
  • What Comes Next and to Like It
  • Encore Provence
  • A Year in Provence

Friday, January 20, 2012

Sad Timbering

As I drive my country road for the last several weeks
More then usual as I am in the process of exploring changing
my doctor from the big city to local small town.

On my road I keep noticing  the pile of newly cut logs
growing.
Row after row of newly cut huge trees.
Gives me a sense of sadness
as I drive by.

Yet, I remember, with shame
that this was something I once did.

Before selling the old farm house
as a means of additional income
I had some of my woods timbered.

The memory still so vivid of the result.
Cut tree after tree was piled in the nearby field.
When they had all been taken off
I went to the woods
and cried at what I saw.
The tops covered the floor of the woods.
Paths I once walked no longer could be seen.
I remember telling my son, before his visit
that it looked like a war zone.
Soon after the timbering
he made a visit and
he walked with me.
I remember his sad voice as he spoke to me
his reply was "please never do this again."

............................................................................................................................

~~If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down?
We might, if they screamed all the time for no good reason~~   Jack Handey

~~I never saw a discontented tree.  They grip the ground as though they liked it~~  John Muir

12 comments:

Tabor said...

So true my dear. We have had to cut down a few trees that were dangerously throwing heavy limbs to the ground as they were slowly dieing.

Judy said...

My oldest daughter recently had to have her woods thinned--to get money to live on and pay the property taxes. I must say the company did a really good job. they took only walnut trees and the leavings from the timber, they mulched and spread along the trail they made to get back into the woods. Sometimes we have to prune and cut to give the canopy room to grow.

lil red hen said...

It is sad to see trees, which took so many years to become this big, taken down, but I guess people have to use them for whatever. When the power Company cut trees on our hillside, there were lots of limbs left. We've used some for firewood, but the others?? well, I'd like to take a big rake and clean up the whole mess.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

A number of trees were cut 3 years ago to make room for this cottage.
They were mostly scrub - but in light of what I believe - they were living - maybe I am scrub :)
Judy, I was left a mess, your daughter had first class concern. I just had a country crew.
Charlotte, I have limbs and fallen trees that just fell and would like to clean woods - then I want it to look natural and I cannot clean many acres of woods :)
Everyone thanks for commenting.
My image shows a small stack of trees compared to what is there.
They do not need the money - maybe just making more crop land or thinning trees - who knows - I sure do not...

the wild magnolia said...

i am always sad to see clearing of trees. sometimes i suppose there needs be a few cut down. this is a part of life, things we have no control over.

let us pause and hope these felled trees go for something good.

Laura said...

I understand the sorrow...I've noticed more trees cut in our area lately to make way for businesses that will likely fold anyway. It breaks my heart.

Balisha said...

For the past year trees have been cleared and the road along our river has been widened. There were safety concerns for traffic along the narrow road right next to the river. I suppose it will save lives, but right now it looks so bare. Not as scenic as before.
Balisha

Marcie said...

How interesting to have you post this today. I have been seeing some beautiful art... in nature outside my windows, but also on the internet... lately that revolves around trees. Here is a link to a page where 50 stunning photos of trees were collected. Some may have been tweaked by the artist/photographer in terms of color or light, but the forms of the trees are just breathtaking on their own.

Marcie said...

Oops! Forgot the link! Here it is:
http://www.designzzz.com/beautiful-trees-photography/

:)

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Sandra, Laura and Balisha, thank you for visiting.
Asling - thank you....

Flavia Galasso said...

I just want to hug you strong!!! :D ..... thank to your visit I found your wonderful road!!!!
Anyway....in my Apple and yogurt cake recipe...sugar is 150 grams...that's 3/4 cup!! Try it it's easy and very good!!!

Let me know i you like it!!!

And think about all the trees tou are going to meet long your trip. blessings, Flavia

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

EliFla - thank you :)