One Who Hated Books

Blog by Aswathi Ashok

Trees can live up to 5000 years or more. Over the course of their lifetime they would have seen a myriad incidents happen in front of them. If trees could speak and were to narrate a story I am sure they would have a lot to tell.

We all know the importance of an eye witness of a crime or an incident, don’t we? These trees have witnessed different civilizations, the rise and fall of empires, the freedom struggle, the growth of technology -how tractors replaced cattles for ploughing., the gradual change in farming and irrigation techniques etc.

They have seen people of different era, how the humans lived and built cities to what they are today, how humans now live a much more sophisticated life, How we have developed so much in every possible field of study with our endless curiosity to learn, and how technology has supplanted every old traditional methods.

This means they are the witnesses to everything mankind has ever done over the years, right from when it grows out of a plant embryo into a seedling and starts photosynthesis. These plants would have seen humans both at our best and at our weakest.

I sometimes do wonder whether these tall trees around me- are happy the way they are? Do they wish to talk? If they did, what would they want to tell us?

I am sure they might have so many things to say or they might choose not to say at all. What would they actually want to tell us, that probably we would never know since they don’t speak, but I’m guessing if they did, they might have these following points in their mind, don’t you think?

1)As mentioned earlier, trees have been witnesses of how we (our ancestors) have fought the freedom struggle with unity and trust on each other to how we (humans) have evolved over the years distrusting each other. How easily we betray each other because of which we no longer trust anyone completely. Long gone are the days where humans worked with conscience, where people appreciated one’s success without being jealous.

2)How people have become money minded and no longer immune to venality. This being the main reason for rise in crime rates and corruption.

3)In earlier days kids go out and play. Now-a-days they sit at home all day with their tablet or iPhone/Android. Technology is definitely a boon since it has helped us handle many of the most herculean tasks with much ease. Machines play a major role in our lives now, but the way kids are getting addicted to technology is definitely not a good sign. Kids have always been the only friends trees had, apart from other animals. They might have noticed how the kids no longer play outside. Who knows , may be the trees are even waiting for their friends(kids) to return to play. 4) There have been so many issues of felling of trees for construction works and other human needs which depletes the forest. This in turn is deleterious to both the environment, animals as well as us. Yeah I agree people around the globe have also been considerate enough to plant more trees in order to maintain the greenery of the forests but the huge amount of trees that are cut down is undoubtedly more than the numbers being planted .We could be certain of this fact owing to the global warming issues we face today at various parts of the earth

Trees have always been there to help us when we knew nothing about technology. They have given us shade, fruits, maintained the level of carbon-di-oxide in the atmosphere, made the soil fertile for agriculture, gave shelter to many animals including us before we constructed houses, etc. Hence, it is our duty to save them as well. It’s time we think about these issues that trees might want to tell us.

In case you think trees might want to tell us more. Feel free to share your views in the comment section below.