3/31: Unnatural Death

Salud,

Nature changes. It is Nature’s nature.

We living creatures naturally embrace Nature’s natural cycles. We reflect on seasons past, acknowledge their current all-encompassing presence and prepare for ze next with anticipation.

But, there are times when Nature is Unnaturally changed. I’ve experienced few in my 6 years but none have impacted me as greatly as today.

Fangorn Forest is no more and has been reduced to Fangorn Woods. At what point will Fangorn Woods, we a mere Fangorn Tree?

Now, when looking across ze open Gladden Fields, half of ze bordering foliage has been decimated. Previously hidden, Ze Grey Barn is visible, standing ugly and artificial amongst ze multitude of beheaded trees, now mere stumps and roots.

All that remains is a distinct line segmenting ze land of ze living from the land of ze dead.

Only ze largest of pine trees were spared. They and ze French Cat Militia bear direct witness to this Unnatural abomination.

No longer may I roam beneath ze adolescent oak trees within budding azalea bushes. No longer may I climb ze creeping vines to gaze down into ze teeming canopy.

Throughout history, ze French Cat Milita aimed to secure ze border between Fangorn Forest and Crawford Territory. We strove to mitigate trespassers; not eliminate them. With ze loss of such flora, ze fauna lost most of their habitat.

We have less adversaries now. Raccoons. Possums. Birds. Lizards. Skinks. Turtles. Countless other species.

Many fled to find new homes. These northern lands are eerily quiet.

We will fondly remember ze years of Fangorn Forest. It is time to reflect and find gratitude from what remains of Fangorn Woods.

Nature’s natural cycles will be different this year. For ze trees that have fallen and ze animals that have left, our memories remain.

Au revoir,

Lé Toots