Stripped and Cut Down

    They came early this morning. They walked around the yard and looked for the blue tape which marked the trees destined to fall.
    As I sat at my table, writing, I watched as a man harnessed himself to the tree and reached for the chainsaw attached to his belt. He trimmed the lower branches first, and climbed ever higher, stripping the tree of all foliage. Then he sawed off the top of the tree and worked his way down.
    This property was left to the elements for some time before my landlady bought it. As a corner lot, there are many trees, and it's beautiful. It is not, however, easy to care for. Some trees had to go so that other things could grow correctly. I am not a tree hugger, but I was surprised at my initial response - a little ping of remorse in my heart.
     I love the trees of the northwest. They are amazing to see and smell. I love the sounds of the wind whispering and sometimes shouting through them. I know some have to be removed, but I don't have to like it!