... like a perfectly formed natural sculpture.
I fell in love with this tree some time ago. I pass it on my way home from Savannah as I drive along I-16 toward Macon. I spend a lot of time on 1-16, of course, since I am in Savannah so much; so it follows that I would get to know I-16 pretty well. This tree is one of the “landmarks” I look for, so I’ll know how much farther I have to go before I get home. When I see this tree, I know I am about two hours away.
I love this tree so much. I have always wanted some pictures of it. But I always forget exactly where it is, and by the time I see it it’s too late to pull off and take pictures, or traffic is a little heavier than usual and I am not comfortable stopping. Today as I drove home I watched carefully so I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to pull over and get pictures. It was such a pretty day and traffic was very light, so I knew it would be a good day to capture the tree.
It stands there like a perfectly formed natural sculpture. I don’t know what kind of tree it is. I just love the beauty in the texture and swirls of the bark, and the graceful formation of the limbs. The soft colors in the bark are wonderfully soothing and inspiring at the same time. The earth provided it some background foliage and some Spanish moss to frame it and add just the right touches to make it an unexpected and pleasant visual surprise to travelers.
I used to wonder what it looked like when it was living. Now I just appreciate the beauty and the uniqueness it contributes to the southeast Georgia highway. I know some day it will give up and fall over and eventually it’ll be gone. But for now, I smile when I see it. It feels like an old friend, and the longest branch seems to be the old tree waving at those of us who appreciate it for the extraordinary work of art it is.
