The Wisdom of Trees

We don't popularly attribute
sensate consciousness to plant
matter but naturalists in the field
of botany seem to feel otherwise
as studies reveal plant response to
music, and anyone who takes a
walk in a forest on a wildly windy
day becomes aware of the moaning
and clacking of tree tops, albeit a
mechanical response. Not, though
the network of underground roots
and the hypotheses supported by
research that mature trees nurture
saplings, and that trees feel pain
and technology has demonstrated
that distress emanates from living
plant matter appearing to conclude
the impression placing it into the
realm of certitude. Look here,
some wag years ago decided to
transform an elderly tree from its
introvert status when it was barely
noticed, to that of a genial extrovert
when attention is focused on its
exterior display of personality.
From the laboratory of science
to the hilarity of a cynic's take on
the matter, we trust that trees
among their other attributes have
developed a sense of wry humour.