An Oak Tree
The glass of water sat on a high shelf.
Some of the gallery visitors wondered if it was half-full or half-empty, contemplating their lives accordingly. Others said it represented third world drought or marine abundance. Eventually someone bothered to read the title on the plaque, and announced it was an oak tree. The others laughed derisively at the idea.
A tall gangly youth, suffering from thirst in the heat of the summer’s day, reached up and drank the water before being roughly ejected from the premises. Just then, in a distant country, an oak tree withered and died.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love this story, Susan. Like the art exhibit, you’ve said so much by inference. Coincidentally, I read an article just this afternoon that said scientists have now proven that trees increase rainfall. I think we always knew this, but now it’s a proven scientific fact. The two are inseparable, and both essential. Thank you for this beautiful story.
They must be inseparable because Michael Craig-Martin’s glass of water was once barred by Australian officials from entering the country as “vegetation”
What a moving story Susan. Good work.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Margarita
Sorry, auto spell on your name!
What a heartfelt read, Susan. There is the sentimental value of water and tree. And it has so many layers in just a few words. Nice work.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleGood one….. If such a dream could become a reality ❤
Such an interesting, original story, Susan. So much symbolism, so much left unsaid. I take it that this was based on a real art exhibition. Today’s artists are in the forefront of looking at our world in a new way, hopefully a healthier, healing way. Great story!
The glass of water must need topping up sometimes I suppose because I think it has been on long term loan to the Tate since about 1973. Still, whoever loaned it probably has another glass at home if he’s thirsty – Haha.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a great story, Susan, with so many aspects and messages to the reader. You can read it as a scientific, biological, artistic or spiritual text. And, not least, there is a good sense of humor in it too!
Congratulations, Susan. Well done 🙂
Thank you. Thrilled to be runner up again!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA twist on the half-full, half-empty cliché with a very sad surprise ending. In addition to all the other symbolism, could the ending be a comment on the blind nonchalance of youth?
Congratulations, Susan!
Congratulation, Susan.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations, Susan!
Thank you