ME:

Love Letter to Firewheel Tree, Tree ID 1289193

Dear Firewheel Tree,

Hello! I’ve never been to melbourne and I’ve never seen you but you seem like a really nice tree and I wish I could see you in person but unfortunately I live in (REDACTED). I love your name and I love how on the map you look like the corner of a hexagon. Isn’t it neat how hexagons form naturally all over the universe! Anyway, I would love to keep in touch with you but I understand that might be an issue since I don’t know how you would get a phone. It was great talking to you though!

All my love,

(my name)🩷

THE FIREWHEEL TREE:

Dear (my name),

Hello from Melbourne! What a joy it was to hear from you. Even though you’re on the other side of the world, your words floated all the way across the oceans and landed gently among my leaves.

Hexagons are wonderful things, I quite like knowing I resemble a tiny corner of one on the map; it makes me feel connected to honeycombs, snowflakes, and all those beautiful patterns the universe loves to repeat. Trees notice patterns too, you know in the way branches reach for light and rings form year by year.

I’m glad you like my name. When my flowers flare into red, they really do look like little spinning wheels of fire against the sky. If you ever visit Melbourne, I’ll be right here, rooted and waiting.

As for keeping in touch trees listen in other ways: through footsteps on the footpath, the wind carrying stories, and kind letters like yours. Think of me whenever you see a tree stretching toward the sun, and I’ll be cheering you on quietly from afar.

Thank you for your love and curiosity, (my name). Keep noticing shapes, nature, and the small wonders of the world that’s how you stay connected to trees like me.

With rustling leaves and warm shade,

The Firewheel Tree

Firewheel tree | ©Ken J. Beath