Half the month of October is gone, fallen by the wayside like the autumn leaves.
My favorite autumn tree is the Ginkgo. It’s a tree I rarely see where I live, but abundant in Denver where I frequently visit my kids.
There is a Ginkgo tree in China that is 3,500 years old (give or take a decade). In China, the ginkgo is a symbol of hope and peace.
After Hiroshima, Japan was bombed in 1945, the only living trees were a few Ginkgoes, which are presently alive. In Japan, the tree is symbolic of endurance and vitality.
An interesting aside, for book lovers, is a Japanese tradition. The ginkgo leaves were used as book markers as they are believed to drive away silverfish and other pests from paper.
During my last writing retreat, we had a free write of three minutes. I thought of Gingko trees.
Leaves shimmer gold
on a living fossil
Shaken by winds
of atomic magnitude
jolting earth, quake of destruction
Rises again, moves
across Asia to my world
Saffron reminders
of hope and peace,
gentle as a baby’s yawn
Lights the path with a glowing aura
gives itself for my delight.
To see some gorgeous photos, check these out: An Ancient Chinese Ginkgo Tree Drops an Ocean of Golden Leaves.
Peace and hope for the rest of October.
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