There once was a large tree that had deep roots that planted herself sturdily in the ground. She was extremely tall and bountiful; therefore, many squirrels, birds and caterpillars liked to play on her trunk and branches. She also grew beautiful flowers in the springtime which bees loved to pollinate. She grew delicious raspberries, which the creatures snacked on. She produces seeds that led to the development of new trees, all of which remove harmful carbon dioxide from the environment. She was a helpful part of the forest.

This wonder of nature lived through many seasons  and types of weather for many years. Then, eventually, the tree grew old and fragile. The branches could no longer withstand the elements, and... at last, she collapsed. Her life ended, but raccoons used her trunk as shelter. Over time, she disintegrated and became part of the earth. The other trees that she helped give life currently enjoy all of the activities that she can no longer engage in.

A Grand Old Tree by Mary Newell DePalma, 2005

I love nature, and autumn especially shows off the beauty of the arboreal kingdom.

• Mary Newell DePalma's web site
• Books about trees