Chapter Six: Zeke Trees

If you have seen one then they are always more easy to identify in the future. And if you haven't, you may still be able to spot one but the more subtle characteristics may be lost to you. Knowing or having known the man would certainly help distinguish a Zeke Tree from any other tree.

It does not have to be tall but it will not be young. The branches will be quite thick throughout, especially wide on the lower levels, and most certainly of the coniferous variety. The needles provide shelter from above in the certain event of rain and do to the trees age, there will be a thick mat of needles, shed over many many seasons, to provide a comfortable base on which to lay a hide or blanket. The lowest branches must not be too low and should provide ample headroom for sitting and in some cases even standing (if you are not too tall). Perhaps there will be smaller branches down low that have broken off upon which you may hang your hat or lantern. There will definitely be plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable, even if you must spend several days there. A Zeke Tree will always feel like home.

And more than all the physical requirements, a Zeke Tree is about a feeling. A feeling of safety and generosity. Comfort and character. No one knows just how many Zeke Trees there are, but what is known is that each is quite unique.

The tree is best understood in context to the man. Side by side. There is a darkly colored felt hat. battered and sweat stained. Holes worn in the creases of the brim. A generous salt & pepper beard conceals a warm smile below kind eyes. There is a calm confidence & openness. Perhaps he may be accompanied by a grumpy mule named Frank. Perhaps not. In any case the Man and the Tree seem at once to be perfectly suited for each-other, as if the tree had been waiting, growing for maybe a  century or more, just for the day of his arrival.

Zeke Trees.