Nature's Classroom

Gazing out at that huge healthy cottonwood last weekend, I again reflected upon its one large dead branch.  Located midway up the trunk, it has held on for over ten years.  Surrounded by growth, this one has none.  Each time I return to the lake, I half expect to see that branch lying on the beach.  Not yet.  For the first few years I contemplated removing it.  An eyesore I thought.  Useless.  Too high for me to reach, it remained.  Then, I began to pay attention.  Numerous birds were using that branch.  Nourishing themselves.  Meeting up with others.  Resting.  That dead branch and the birds are a continual reminder that my view is only one view.