A New Love

              A warm autumn breeze disturbed my afternoon nap, as I sleepily looked at the sun kissed day I saw two figures in the distance. They seemed to be melted together neither willing to let go. Just another couple, young, foolish and much too happy for me to tolerate; I watched as they slowly made their way closer, sluggish only because they paused for an endless embrace or just one more kiss.

            The girl is petite, almost blown away with each gust of wind. It was easy to see why he loved her, big eyes, green orbs of innocence, unruly, tangled hair of hazelnut and midnight. But her lips stopped my analysis; they are small and full, like a raspberry in July but the color of the softest rose. A girl touched by Nature’s hand, the one that played in my shade and climbed my limbs as a child, it’s her. She has blossomed in a way we all do, of course, but she awakened me, made me remember better days. Before Winter’s cold turned me so bitter.

              He looked at her as I did, feeling lucky to have her near, caught by surprise and staying- paralyzed by wonder. The boy was a god in his own way, sunlight catching his features. His hair shimmering as if golden threads, lightly waved, her fingers follow the weaving path. She’s looking in his eyes; they’re like looking into the sun, deep shadowed tones of green and blue with a golden starburst. Love was pouring out of them. He’s tall and slim but sturdy, acting as her tether to the ground.

              Now she lies on the grass, it caresses her form as lovingly as I would… if only I could. Being rooted in one spot, unable to move as freely as the lovers, I’m envious. This is not how I should feel. In the presence of a love like theirs I should be awed, inspired, anything but envious. But my branches long to enfold her as his arms can, my leaves want to brush across her face, hair, those raspberry lips, I have to turn away.

                They’re kissing again, obviously lost to the world, fully absorbed in their sugar sweet moment. I wish that such emotion was possible for me, but sadly I will always stand alone. I catch a few words of their conversation; I guess the kissing has stopped for a moment.

                “Which tree looks lonely?” she asks.

“What do you mean?” he seems bewildered.

                She spreads her arms and whirls in a circle, as if imagining flight. Her eyes reflecting childish joy, an innocence that couldn't be touched. Behind her, the god-like boy smiles, stiffling a laugh. Suddenly, she slides to a stop and runs into her love's arms. Their bodies colliding with enough force to almost knock him over. With a kiss on the cheek she darts away again.

                “That one looks lonely.”

                  Oh god, she’s pointing at me, the child beloved by Nature, a perfect being is coming to me. Her arms wrap around my trunk, too small to span it and I can feel myself grow taller-branch out again. She calls over her lover to hold her hands and embrace me too. These young ones, so new to the world are sharing their love with me.

                  As unspoiled as this autumn day a love has been born, solidified, and shared. There’s an unexpected glow with my setting sun as I too can feel the simple joy of a perfect moment. The way the light graces the face of your loved one, their smile, each adorable quirk makes you love them more. These lovers will stay in my mind through all time, warming my heart through the next bitter winter.