Inspiration from the Sandia Forest

Before our trip to Sandia Crest, I thought the entire landscape of the Albuquerque area was desert-like. I was shocked to see a beautiful forest with green pine trees. Some of the mountains covered with colorful plants could well rival the fall foliage of Vermont in terms of beauty. Watching these trees revived their importance (different species) to our life. They inspired me the following words.

TREE,

When one pronounces this word, some think of the genealogical tree, or Christmas tree

But I think about you: the Tree of Peace.

You helped celebrate LIFE in my family when I was born,

At that time, your roots were growing taking the shape of the jar

Sometimes, your leaves started becoming yellowish because of carelessness

But as soon as someone quenched your thirst with water,

You quickly regenerated

I cannot be grateful enough

Your sap, with abundant nutritional values

Fed my mother when she was breastfeeding me

I did not remember the taste, but I know that I liked it

Even at the age of six, I did not want to quit my mother’s breast

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to drink your sap again

During my wedding ceremony, you sealed the ties between both families

I also remember my grandfather giving me your leaves from our compound

To bring them with me to my new place, so that I will always feel at HOME

When there is a an argument or a controversy in a family,

The elders seat under your shade so that you can inspire them to solve the problem.

You are there to bring PEACE among people

Your branches are distributed to the belligerents

As a way to bury the hatchet.

When someone dies, he is buried along with your branches

To wish them peace in their new adventure

In the past, you served as a gravestone.

At that time cemeteries were vast green spaces, with lots of trees, full of life

In contrasts to the dullness of today’s cemeteries

You always accompany us in every step of our life

We rely on your branches, roots, sap, leaves, shade and bark

But at the same time, we are so ignorant that we want to get rid of you

Whatever we choose to do, you are LIFE, PEACE, and HOME

Enjoy this video on our first steps in the mountains