My relationship with a tree
There's one memory that always brings a smile to my face – the African giant star apple tree, known as Odara in Igbo land. This towering tree, with its robust, well-built stems and broad leaves, held a special place in my heart. Climbing its branches gave me a unique sense of freedom and peace.
The ventilation up there was unlike anything else. The way the wind whispered through the leaves and the gentle sway of the branches made it my go-to spot. From that lofty perch, I had a panoramic view of the surroundings. I could see my home in the distance, surrounded by other neighboring houses. Watching the children play and the world go by gave me a sense of being in my own little kingdom.
Of course, the allure of Odara was not just the breathtaking view. It was also the abundance of delicious star apple fruit. The fruits were incredibly sweet, and plucking them after a long day at school was the perfect way to unwind. The joy of snacking on those succulent fruits under the shade of the tree is a memory I cherish dearly.
However, there came a day when my idyllic relationship with that majestic tree took an unexpected turn. In a moment of carelessness, I lost my footing and came crashing down from the heights I so often sought solace in. The fall left me shaken and, more importantly, shattered my trust in my arboreal haven. The injuries weren’t severe, but the experience robbed me of the carefree enjoyment I once found in climbing the Odara tree.
After that fateful day, my love for the tree waned. I missed the innocent and carefree moments of my childhood, spent in the embrace of the African giant star apple tree.
The ventilation up there was unlike anything else. The way the wind whispered through the leaves and the gentle sway of the branches made it my go-to spot. From that lofty perch, I had a panoramic view of the surroundings. I could see my home in the distance, surrounded by other neighboring houses. Watching the children play and the world go by gave me a sense of being in my own little kingdom.
Of course, the allure of Odara was not just the breathtaking view. It was also the abundance of delicious star apple fruit. The fruits were incredibly sweet, and plucking them after a long day at school was the perfect way to unwind. The joy of snacking on those succulent fruits under the shade of the tree is a memory I cherish dearly.
However, there came a day when my idyllic relationship with that majestic tree took an unexpected turn. In a moment of carelessness, I lost my footing and came crashing down from the heights I so often sought solace in. The fall left me shaken and, more importantly, shattered my trust in my arboreal haven. The injuries weren’t severe, but the experience robbed me of the carefree enjoyment I once found in climbing the Odara tree.
After that fateful day, my love for the tree waned. I missed the innocent and carefree moments of my childhood, spent in the embrace of the African giant star apple tree.