An ethereal halo of sunlight strokes the borders of a dense, rolling cloud that's rich, purple centre is reminiscent of the robe of a wise king of antiquity. After a few minutes of contemplation, the sun emerges tentatively. As her confidence increases, she erupts in a chorus of blinding light and illuminates the earth beneath, allowing a brief moment of intense pleasure to every surface fortunate enough to feel its warmth.
In the far corner of a modestly sized garden, an aged willow tree suffers under the weight of the scorching heat. A light breeze is enough to make its branches heave and sigh, its hanging branches lazily dragging along the shaded ground beneath.
It may not stand as tall as it once did, but as the years have unfurled, its bark has grown thick and disfigured: Such is the cost of a life spent observing and reflecting; enduring winters of sharp, penetrating blizzards and summers that squeezed every inch of life out of its sleeping limbs.
And now, as the life expires from its roots, and it's body tires and draws its last breath, it glances once more over the world, smiles pleasantly to itself and takes one last bow, a deserved and humble end to a life lived proudly and a life lived well.Ā