Sandy Supposes....

The Hook

Prompt for Monday, April 5
The Crooked Forest
Location: West Pomerania, Poland

This Polish forest lives up to its name, with hundreds of peculiar pine trees. Several hundred pine trees were planted there in the 1930s and grew with an almost 90-degree bend at their base, making them look like fishing hooks. Some believe that a technique or human tool was actually used to make the trees curve this way, while others speculate that a winter snowstorm or some other damage could have given this fascinating forest its interesting shape.

Give us your own creative reason why the trees are this way.

         The brown bears of Poland are a comfort-loving bunch. After a long day of foraging for food and frightening the odd hiker, they long for nothing more than a comfy spot to rest their weary bones.

         To this end, the early bears climbed up into trees each night. In this particular forest of pine trees this meant pushing up past prickly needles that gouged at tender bits of the anatomy and teased sensitive noses with a pungent odour.

         Stout branches were sought. The sleeping position required a combination of dexterity and balance. A sudden sneeze, a twitch, a mistimed stretch, an unconscious rollover, or a robust breeze resulted in a thudding fall. Nothing disturbs sound slumber like a teeth-rattling return to earth.

                   The bears had already experimented with curling up upon the forest floor. Not a one enjoyed pokes to their ribs from roots and twisted tree limbs. Leaves and dirt clung to their matted fur. When rain slashed them they'd only burrow deeper and awaken in a cold puddle. This only exacerbated the bears' morning grumpiness.

         For a brief time, the unhappy bears had entertained the brilliant idea of manufacturing their beds. They brain-stormed and scrounged the forest for materials. They envisioned a perch amongst the trees that would support their dreams and their bulky bodies. Alas, the decaying leaves and ragged twigs could not be woven into the hammocks they craved.

          Cubs had learned that jumping and swinging from swaying immature trees created great fun. Despite the rough-housing the pine trees snapped back upright. Sometimes, the younger bears napped in these makeshift cradles.

          Before long, exhausted bears began leaning against the trunks of the growing pine trees too tired to search for a slumber spot. They barely had energy to yawn. The supple trunks would bend just enough to relieve the weight from weary paws. They'd discovered the equivalent of a green recliner. Bears could and did sleep suspended above the hard, uncomfortable ground.

         Of course the fidgety slumberers slid awake, but the effort to return to sleep proved minimal. No more arduous climbs. No more bone-jarring nods to gravity. Just lean and snore. Cross your arms over your chest, or let them dangle.

         Night after night, the pine trees supported reclining bears. This in turn forced the tree trunks to bend and conform to the constant weight. Pine trees are stubborn survivors. They will adapt rather than break.

         Many of the less physically -inclined bears would lounge during daylight hours in their pine recliners. To their delight and with vigorous daily efforts, their new furniture molded itself to their appreciative frames. These Polish bears created the ultimate in sitting satisfaction.

(545 words)