Simple Beauty from a Tree

From the Old Tree 

The old tree, grew on its own from a wild seed in urban Nature. Its home was on a short and steep slope surrounded by daylillies, morning glories and lily of the valley. Over the years branches fell, the largest near a third of its mass. It needed to go. 

Walking by, I found the small piece with bark attached, and picked it up. The beauty of color and shape remind me of ancient stone formations, mini Grand Canyon style. What surprises me most is the spectacular texture of the bark with  green moss on it. From the ground, the old tree was not a looker. Up in its bark is where loveliness was cradled, magical as a dense old growth forest. 

The piece will be put on a stand for display, after I spray it with a clear sealant. 

It is my scholar wood, like a Gongshi, Chinese scholar’s stone.