Look closely.
There are worlds to be seen in the smallest details.
Downtown Victoria near the main library.
An old nest.
Early spring, high above the busy sidewalk, a lovely cover of leaves would have shielded a new family enjoying some prime real estate.
Araucaria araucana or as it is more popularly known as – The Monkey Tail Tree, or The Monkey Puzzle Tree. Apparently, when it was introduced into Britain in the 19th century someone remarked in awe that “It would puzzle a monkey to climb that.” And the name took.
I rather like the french version – “desespoir des singes” or ‘monkeys’ despair’. Either way its exotic nature never fails to fascinate.
Anthropomorphism (in brief) is the attributing of human characteristics to other things – be they living or non-living. The term was apparently coined in the mid 1700’s and as a literary device can enhance a storytelling as it uses our own insight and experience to help us relate in a more deeply personal way.
This old fellow has long stood watch over his neighborhood and though he may bear a passing resemblance to Tolkien’s Ents he is far more interesting…he’s real.