Nature always finds its place

This morning I had to go out to run some errands in the neighborhood where I live, and I walked there. Along the way, I was surprised to see that many of the trees and plants around here have grown a lot, since it’s been a while since they were last trimmed. This obviously means there are large trees in the area, as well as bushes that are sticking out beyond the space where they’re supposed to be.

​In fact, to keep them in order, every so often some people prune the overhanging branches so they don’t interfere with the power lines. And while that’s what needs to be done, the truth is that I always really love seeing how these trees, no matter what’s around them, follow their own course—even if that means growing over what humans have built.

​So today, as I walked through the neighborhood, I saw how the trees were covering some utility poles, but more than anything, I noticed how many of the roots had knocked down part of the wrought-iron fences along the path. It amazes me how forcefully they reclaim the space that belongs to them, because their “laws” aren’t the same as ours, and the truth is, they don’t need electricity or anything like that to keep living—just water and sunlight.

When the trees are fully grown, it’s really pleasant to walk around there because there’s plenty of shade, a breeze, and that special atmosphere you always feel when you’re near one. So, even though I know they’ll soon come to prune the branches and clear away everything growing over the posts and fences, I have to admit that I really enjoy seeing them like this. Not just because of how they look, but because it amazes me to realize that nature will always be as it is, even if humans keep trying to control or push it aside.

​In fact, in the abandoned places I’ve visited, I’m always surprised to see how plants are the first to emerge, sprouting from places one would logically think impossible, creating an atmosphere that, though it may look neglected, is beautiful to behold. For me, it’s easy to see that within what might be considered a problem, there is great beauty and power. Fortunately, in the middle of the residential area there’s a sort of canal with its own strip of land and suitable terrain for many trees to grow.

This means that, amid all the concrete and asphalt surrounding it, at least in the center there remains some greenery, and no one plans to cut it down because, truth be told, it’s the only thing that provides shade in the area. They only prune the branches when they grow too long and reach the power lines or extend beyond the curb that separates the green space from the sidewalk. It’s really nice to walk by there because you can always see squirrels, birds, some iguanas basking in the sun on the branches, and also an animal we call a “babo,” which is related to the caiman.