Writer

Coral Davies

Wagin Western Australia

WEATHERED TREE

5

In protest I stand at the canyon’s edge,
Defiant against the weather.
My roots, as my anchor, through rocks do wedge,
My lifeline, my only tether.

Bark ripped to shreds, tossed to the air,
By the force of the winds from below.
Stung by grit, my trunk now bare,
I lean as the winds do blow.

Pity me not for where I stand,
Midst dreaded heat and freezing snow.
For this is a magical, beautiful land
Of changing colours and skies that glow.

In the chill of the dawn, I cling tight
And stand with the very few,
To welcome the warmth of the morning light.
This is my place.....this is my view.

The Utah Juniper grows throughout the south-western region of the United States of America. Found in some of the most inhospitable terrain on earth this species of tree is slow growing and long lived. It survives on little water due to its deep penetrating root system.
Adapted to the elements, the evergreen Utah Juniper has clusters of short flat leaves to prevent evaporation and to withstand sub-zero temperatures. A mature tree seldom reaches a height of more than 10m. Able to grow to a land elevation of 2,500m this tree can live for more than 100 years.
Characterised by its twisted trunk and limbs, its light-weight, decay-resistant wood was used by early settlers for construction and its soft bark shredded by local Indians for lining babies’ cradles. Bearing small yellowish green flower cones in autumn and winter the resulting light blue berries are an edible food source for birds and small native animals. The dried seeds from the berries are used by local craftspeople and strung to make bracelets and necklaces.
Reproduced by seed, the tree is sometimes found growing from rock crevasses into which seeds have been dropped by birds. It has been said the tree smells “just like Christmas”.