We all know the adage: if a tree falls in the woods, and none are nearby to hear it, does it make a sound?
Firstly, this situation is seemingly improbable and definitely anthropocentric. I can hardly imagine a situation in which a tree would fall outside of the auditory range of every single squirrel and magpie in the forest. But, nevermind: let's assume it really is all about us, and it only matters if a sentient human acknowledges the tree. And that there is some pristine part of the forest hitherto untouched by humans. (Ha--you know what they say about assuming.) So, does it still descry its descent?
My definitive answer: yes. And here's why.
My husband has been out of town for almost a week. Since the moment we became seriously involved with each other, we have spent nearly every night together in the same bed. Sure there has been a night here or there spent somewhere else, but extended stays are far and few in-between. As I leave to go to work and school each day, I can almost guarantee he will be at home when I return. In my forest, there are only two trees, but we're rooted together like aspens beginning their colony.
But now, my forest is diminished to just one tree. The other tree has been temporarily potted and relocated, while I remain on home soil. And, as pathetic as it sounds, I feel like I'm falling. Like my roots are pulled, stretched across too far a distance to keep me vertical. In case you're wondering, no one hears my crash as I timber towards rock bottom. But that doesn't mean I don't cry like hell.
So, does the proverbial tree still bemoan its quick, fatal fall although none are around to hear it? Hell ya, it cries its freakin' leaves off! What it may lack is definition: other surfaces to cast resounding echos to places where people might actually inhabit and hear.
Mystery solved. The lonely tree falls. It cries. The sound fails to carry, so none hear it. But it still makes a loud crash as it's uprooted. Q.E.D.
--Penny Hastings
