I wrapped my arms around the trunk, pressed my cheek into its roughness, and closed my eyes. If you need guidance, hug a tree and gain some strength from the ancestors; the roots stretch deep. That’s what my mama told me. I held on now for dear life. Lush tropical plants danced along the iron-rod fence and bordered the sidewalk leading to the verandah: hyacinth, roses, and lilies intertwined, making a living collage. No longer healthy and vibrant, but slightly limp, the plants strained with the little strength they had left to catch a few leftover raindrops that were falling from the roof. The limestone wall that separated Mama Grace’s house from next door was overgrown with moss and thick vines mingled with the low branches that hung from the orange trees that lined the edge of the property. Blossoms were scattered throughout the yard like splatters of paint dropped from a careless painter’s brush. Mama Grace’s four guard dogs yapped from the backyard, straining to be released from their cages.
What do You think about Easier Said Than Done (2014)?
