English 3-4
Period 4
May 21, 1973

I remember writing this. Our teacher took us outside to write about what we saw on the school property. I wrote about a tree.  I think I must have been a little obsessed with Shakespeare at the time since the beginning sounds like the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet, and then I mention a quote from Romeo and Juliet later on.

Reflections on a Life

One solitary tree, alone in its beauty, simple but majestic. This tree, not yet reached adulthood, stands alone, apart from other, older trees. Isn’t it appropriate that this tree be on a high school lawn?

Our tree can pretend to be grown — a giant among dwarfs — for it is surrounded by a forest of elvish tree-like plants. An array of dandelions encircle it. So our special tree is not lonely; it has friends. The sun, the wind and the rain are some. Elements that let it live or die.

What kind of tree is ours? Elm? Locust? Maple? No matter, for to quote William Shakespeare, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” That which we call a tree by any other word would be as grand. It still, no matter what kind, will give shade to a weary traveler, protection to a squirrel, and a home to a nest of birds.

In time our tree will grow old, and eventually die, as we will, but before then it will, again as we will, see much happening in its life, changes and the same old things time cannot change, remaining constant.

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It is possible the tree is one of the two in this photo, although perhaps those are too young. This was written 50 years ago.

I remember writing this — it was after seeing the Disney documentary Beaver Valley. I also think I did a report on beavers and must have been fascinated that their parents kicked them out of the lodges after a certain age.

English 3-4
Period 4
May 2, 1973

On Growing Up

Now, when I look back, I had a great childhood. Of course, at the time I thought being a beaver kit was the worst thing in the world to be — so much to learn about building lodges and dams, caring for a family and such. I also thought, then, how wonderful it would be to be grown up — a two year old beaver — and be free. Free? If one is free, one can be anywhere, can’t one? I have been thrown out of my home. I must fend for myself now, build a new lodge somewhere — but far away from the family.

My sister — Cathy — had the good sense to leave before she was humiliated by being kicked out of her own home, by her own parents.

Well, enough feeling sorry for myself, I had better eat something so I have the strength to build my lodge. That looks like a tender tree over there.

Mmmm, it is tender — and sweet, and ……

“Hello.”

Who is that? Oh, a beaver, probably wants to steal my tree.

“Hi.”

Hey, it’s a girl! Gosh she’s cute, look at that tail, great shape.

“That looks like a tasty tree.”

“Want some? It is really very good — sweet, like you.”

Oh why did I have to say that? I’ve made her blush, now she will leave.

“Sure, thank you. Mmmm, it is good. Tender — like you.”

Oh, wow! I think I am in love.

“What is your name? Mine is Christopher Q. Williams. Q stands for Quincy.”

Now why did I have to go and tell her my middle name? She will laugh at me.

“I’m Marie G. Larson. The G’s for Gertrude.”

Hmm — she has a dumb middle name like me. Well, here goes, I will ask her for a date.

“Are you doing anything tonight? Do you want to help me build a lodge?”

The most she can do is refuse.

“I’m not doing anything, and I’d love to build a lodge with you.

She didn’t refuse!

“I’ll pick you up at seven, okay?”

“Oh, that’ll be fine.”

What a beautiful smile! Now I know I’m in love. I guess growing up isn’t so bad after all.