Stop, look, and listen. Deep at the far side of that golden field, nestled amongst a sea of emerald leaves, a tree standing tall and proud that onlookers will stop just to bask in its massiveness. Look at its branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms. And listen to its majestic crown, a canopy of leaves that swayed gently in the breeze, the leaves rustled like a symphony as wind pick up, a soothing melody that filled the air of the field. This was no ordinary tree, for it had stood there for over a hundred years, witnessing countless seasons and storms.
As we approach this behemoth, it was impossible not to be struck by its sheer size and imposing presence. The trunk alone was wide enough to fit three grown men with their arms outstretched, and it towered upwards towards the heavens, reaching for the sky.
But it was not just its size that made this tree special. Its bark came into our focus, rough and gnarled with age, like a maze of wrinkles etched into its very essence. It was almost as if the wrinkles on the bark told the stories of all the beings that had come and gone throughout its long life. From a distance, it looked like the tree was wearing a coat of armor, with each crevice a battle scar from a long-forgotten war. Moss and lichen clung to its bark, creating a tapestry of greens and greys that seemed to dance in the light of the sun.
As we drew closer still, the true wonder of this centennial tree was revealed. Its branches twisted and turned in every direction, creating a labyrinth of pathways that wound their way toward the sky. And at the end of each pathway was a cluster of leaves, each one more vibrant and fuller of life than the last.
And as the sun began to set, the tree seemed to come alive right before our eyes. Fireflies came and started dancing around its branches, casting a warm, golden glow on the surrounding forest. It was as if the tree had become a beacon, a guiding light for all the birds that called the fields home.
But there was something else about this tree that made it truly extraordinary. Beneath it, there is a feeling of peace and serenity that wash over them like a warm summer breeze. It was as though the tree had a soul, and it radiated a sense of calm that was contagious.
As we stood in the shadow of this centennial oak beneath the crimson skies, it was impossible not to feel humbled and awestruck by its presence. And it stood as a reminder to all who beheld it that, no matter how large or small, every living thing has a place in this world, and a story to tell...
"The Tree Beyond," locals named it because beyond it is the well-known "Forbidden Pass," a wide field after their rice field. Like a wall, with rows and rows of giant green grasses that extends between two hills.
You see, it wasn't just the tree's appearance that made it curious. 'Twas that stalks of grass towered over the landscape which seemed to grow from the giant roots of the Tree Beyond, stalks of grass towered over the landscape.
As our eyes wonder, we can see that the long grass stretched between the hills, an imposing barrier that seemed to have been lifted straight out of a fairytale.
The stalks of grass were so thick that they completely blocked out the view beyond, giving the impression that the wall extended on forever. The grass was a brilliant green, each blade shimmering in the light of the setting sun like a precious gemstone. And yet, there was something eerie about the way that grass wall seemed to stretch on and on as if it had no end.
As the wind picked up, the grass swayed and rippled like a wave, creating a mesmerizing dance that captivated the eyes. And as the sun began to set, the wall seemed to come alive. The stalks seemed to glow with ethereal light, turning the wall into a vision of green and gold that shimmered in the dying light of the day.
And yet, despite its beauty, something was foreboding about the grass wall. 'Twas a sight that was both beautiful and intimidating as if the wall was both a work of art and a warning to those who would dare to cross it...
"Papa," says BOY, "always reminded us not to cross this part of the field, right?"
"Yeah, you can say that again." GIRL nodded.
"Papa, always reminded us not to cross this part of the field, right?" BOY repeated with a grin as if taunting her. But she just ignored her brother's tease.
The grasses were higher than the two, higher than the rice field itself. As tall as the full-grown sunflowers but without the flowers themselves. Imagine facing a lineup of Basketball players and contestants in a Pageant, you might get a stiff neck keeping your eyes looking up.
One can cross it over without hassle, but it's called Forbidden Pass for a reason. It's forbidden to pass there. The only end thing they know is that they know nothing about its end. Nobody knows where it might lead.
"Have you ever wondered why?" BOY raised his voice, excitement building in his chest. "I think there's something amazing out there, like pili candies or sweet cocoa tablea, don't you agree?"
GIRL rolled her eyes in response. "Or delimon, sure," she said. "But I don't think we should take the risk. Papa forbade us from going there for a reason. And Papa would never lie to us."
BOY suddenly thought of an idea and said, "Come' on, GIRL, let's check it out!"
"But-but, they said that there are sss-scary and b-big animals out there that eat children like us, that is why it's forbidden." GIRL protested, her heart beginning to pound with fear just imagining the thought of it.
"Bah, humbug." But BOY was already determined, "Come 'on, let's go for a bit and see what's at the end," he said, taking off without waiting for her reply and quickly dashed and entered the Pass.
"Waaah! BOY, don't leave me here alone!" Afraid that no one was around and it was becoming dark already, GIRL ran and followed BOY inside, crossing the Forbidden Pass.
Ignoring her concerns, BOY dashed into the Forbidden Pass, and with a cry of fear, GIRL reluctantly followed.
But BOY didn't really go through and instead came back quickly to their rice field as soon as he entered the Pass. He didn't even venture far into the Pass before turning back around.
But when he returned to their rice field, he was met with an eerie silence. No one can be seen in their rice field anymore; only the fireflies dancing around the Tree Beyond.
"GIRL? Sis? Where are you?" he called out, but there was no response.
Panic rising in his chest, BOY looked back, a hundred and eighty degrees turn, and just stood in front of that wall of tall grasses, shouting at the top of his lungs. "GIRL! Come back!"
---~~~o~~~--- ---~~~o~~~--- ---~~~o~~~---
The Psalmist sang another song,
~~~
"Young ones' songs of merriment tehees
Arpeggios and synths surround
Spinnin' n' zooms them, they mirth
Cheerful horizon at the Tree Beyond
~~~
Down they went to that Forbidden Pass
Left that timeworn golden field
Abreast the dawn, fuchsias' crimsons
They run and run, and ran steadfast..."