Dear Elephant Tree,
How are you these days? Any kids in your life?
I just wanted to say something. We called you the Elephant Tree because your bark looked like elephant hide. I realize it could have been construed as derogatory (I think of the Elephant Man. And I can imagine that any time a being is compared to a being of another type it is tricky, even when it is meant as a compliment.) but I have always loved elephants. Your branches were so thick and solid and your bark so smooth and grey. You were able to hold us.
But I think why Elephant Tree seemed so perfect a name is also because you always had an air of movement about you, even for a tree of your size, as if you could slowly turn and walk away at any time but you were sticking around, patient and lovely, for all the neighborhood kids who loved to climb on you.
Hope you are well,
-e.