The Promise of Spring

The Promise of Spring

by Sister C.

The young Dryad sat by the Willow lake, fretful, even as Cherry blossoms flourished in her hair and filled the air with their fragrance. She held hands with the green Apples, twin branches of the same sapling, flanked by cousins Pecan and Walnut. A small distance away stood pale Beech, tall Cypress and gnarled Oak.

Willow stepped out of her tree and spread her arms in customary greeting. "Our Winter's sleep has come to an end. We have gathered here today to celebrate the promise of Spring," she began, then paused, looking at each bewildered face in turn. "Or have we?"

"My apologies, Elder Willow," said Cherry. "I have upset my sisters." -- "We are more than upset!" the Apples exclaimed, and clung to Cherry even harder. "We fear gravely for your wellbeing."

"What is this about?" said Willow, frowning. -- "A Human," Oak scoffed. "Of all things." -- "A Human? Have they come to Cherry's tree with an ax?" -- "Far worse," hissed Cypress. "The Human has come for her heart."

"Humans have no roots, you know," said Pecan, earning a sharp glance from Walnut. "It is true," she insisted. "The Human will get drunk on Cherry's scent and eat the fruit of her tree. But when Winter leaves her branches barren, the Human will leave." Pecan stomped her foot.

"A Human may yet settle, and give their heart for life," Walnut said, placing a kind hand on her cousin's shoulder. "But sweet Cherry, your tree barely has one score of rings. Add four more scores, and the Human will be but a memory."

"And if you should have the misfortune to bear offspring," Cypress spoke up, "they too will wither before your very eyes. No parent should outlive their child." Beech gasped, and covered her mouth with her hand. Nobody spoke for a while.

"Life must be difficult for you O'Ma Dryads," said Oak, in what she hoped was a reconciliatory tone. "A Human can be useful to Titania's daughters, for a time. It has never occurred to me to keep one, mind you."

"Sweet Cherry, your sisters have spoken," Willow said. "Yet you have remained silent. What does your heart say?"

"I do not know what tomorrow will bring, Elder Willow," said Cherry. "But I should very much like to find out. I do not wish to spend my days in fear of what might be. Of that I have no doubt."

"Very well," Willow smiled at last, and kissed Cherry's forehead. "Life should not be lived in the shadow of Death. Such is the promise of Spring. Come now, sisters! Let us celebrate."

Cherry and the Apples quickly linked arms with Pecan and Walnut. Beech approached timidly, Oak followed and even Cypress joined when Willow reached out a hand. The Dryads danced around the lake, praising the promise of Spring in their song.