Roots and Reflection: Beneath the Oak, I Find Tranquility
Tree Tag #2733 on Baylor's Sustainability Map
By Emma Metcalfe for Dr. Joshua King's ENG 2301: British Literature class, Fall 2025
This reflection is part of a series of “Tree Stories” by Baylor students that take root in their observations about a tree on campus, branch into connections between their tree and their experiences and education, and leaf out into a creative response to the tree.
Welcome
Welcome, I hope that as you read this collection of reflection, you’ll deeply resonate with the sense of calm this tree has given me through its steadfast presence, its grace, warm smile and open arms in the busy seasons, and the sense of rest it brings when everything else feels overwhelming.
Roots
My initial encounter with this tree was what fascinated me to not only come by again, but eventually choose it to be my semester-long companion. Being placed right in the middle of the quad area behind the Student Union Building and in front of Carroll Science Building, it was very hard to miss on my way to classes five days a week. But more importantly, this tree struck me due to its appearance. It obtained a broad- canopy, majestic, long, textured bark branches that sat extremely low to the ground, almost as if it was standing with open arms, offering an inviting seat to anyone who walks by. This tree is centralized within the location it was placed in, serving as quite the focal point in a very populated gathering area, especially hard to miss when walking by. However, choosing this tree had a deeper meaning for me, beyond its irresistible features. There was an incredible sense of peace felt in my short time sitting beside the tree. A kind of peace I had yet to feel while being on campus in my first two years here at Baylor. The wind blowing through my hair, the crisp smell of damp earth and woody aromas allowed me to appreciate not only the tree itself, but nature in general; something I would pass over completely on a normal day. It was around the time Dr. King first announced this upcoming project, where I felt like I needed peace the most. The semester was just beginning, but the bustling noises of summer classes ending, my part time job calling to see if I had returned to Waco, getting acclimated with a new routine and new classes were still demanding. Sitting in front of this live oak tree, in all of its qualities, forced me to quiet the noises of everyday life and just be present with something so calm and dependable – which is what I hope you all are able to obtain a sense of throughout this piece.
Additionally, through spending time with my tree, I grew an interest in its history. Where did it come from? Was it native to Texas? Etc. Interestingly, I found that this live oak tree I felt such a connection to was scientifically named Quercus virginiana and it originated across the entire southern coastal plane. They were treasured for their long, twisted limbs that aided shipbuilders in the 18th century. Their low lying, arm-like branches still appear today and offer a scenic touch to the existence of the live oak tree. But, the most interesting thing I learned that left the greatest impression on me was that this tree had a significant relation to human history and culture. Its strong, dense branches symbolized strength, endurance and resilience, all critical skills of what people consider a Southern identity and upbringing from past hardships to current successes. I connected this to my own feelings quite often. I found this tree, yes for an assignment, but I felt instantly drawn to this tree without intentionality. This tree symbolized the characteristics I needed for a successful semester. So, understanding how this tree exudes strength and resilience guided me toward meditating upon it for the remainder of the semester.
Branches
While I have had numerous encounters with this tree over the course of the semester that I am eager to share, there is one particular moment that, I believe, truly embodies the solitude and true sense of renewal that can be experienced in its presence and is worth recounting.
It was November 9th, early evening time. I had finished a full day of classes plus tutoring and was on my way to my car when I remembered I hadn't spent much time with my tree that entire week. I was exhausted, wanting nothing more than to go home, have dinner, and go to bed. But, I decided that I could make a 10 minute pit stop to at least snap a picture of the tree. Campus was quiet by this time, very little movement aside from the crashing water fountain on Fountain Mall. Upon arriving at my tree, I chose to sit on the bench directly to the side of the tree to just ponder and rest from the “hike” across campus to see the tree. Without a second thought, I immediately felt a sense of calm and relief as I just sat with my tree. All of the busyness I had experienced all day slowly faded and finally fell silent. I was instead given the opportunity to reflect; or at least that’s what it felt like. Thoughts of my family that I am always so homesick for, all of my hard work that I put forth with school, and something as simple as a sense of peace are all the things I was feeling in this moment. It was almost as if the tree brought me in close, squeezing me tight and protecting me in a way. With the semester now coming to a close, I can honestly say that this moment was one I have carried with me the entire time. This allowed me to feel a great sense of connection to this tree, reminding me of one of the works of literature we dissected in class this semester: “Our Casuarina Tree,” by Toru Dutt. This poem highlights the tight knit bond between a tree and fond memories or love and familial connection for the author, further symbolizing nostalgia from the past and holding on tight to an emotional connection. Toru Dutt describes a tree that is significant to her because it embodied memories from her childhood with her loved ones that she had lost. I resonated deeply with Dutt’s piece about the Casuarina tree and in many ways felt similarly to her descriptions. For her, it was a place of fond memory, reflection of her past and those she loved the most. “But not because of its magnificence/ Dear is the Casuarina to my soul/ Beneath it we have played; though years may roll,” (23-25). For me, it is a place of comfort, a pleasant reflection of the people I am so homesick for, and a source of strength when I feel overwhelmed and astray. There is an immense sensation of peace and solitude within something as simple as spending five minutes with this tree – allowing one to truly consider things other than the busyness of our everyday life. “Our Casuarina Tree” has helped me see through something that is so commonly seen in nature and understand relief, calmness, and strength in a way I would have never considered when being in the presence of my tree.
Leaves
Introduction
For this section of the final project, I have decided to formulate my creative response fitting in the mixed media category and create a brochure-like series of images I have collected of my tree through the course of this semester with a mix of reflections and short poems beside each photo. I chose this way of expression because expression through photography is something I am extremely passionate about. These photos hold so much meaning to me as they each symbolize a different time in my semester. Some photos were taken on really hard days. Days where I felt defeated, wanting nothing more than to go home to my parents. Days where I was overjoyed and filled with happiness, having the best time of my life. Days where I was beyond stressed, studying for numerous tests at once, almost as though I was in need of shelter from the chaos. But most importantly, all days with which my tree gave me utter peace and stillness, covering me from the noises of the world. The piece of literature that inspired this creation was “Family Trees” by Craig Santos Perez. Perez gives the trees humanistic characteristics of shelter and support, emphasizing how our personal stories are connected to that of our history which we often lean on. Therefore, my main goal was to offer a similar touch in my final product. I wanted the readers to feel the same comfort and rest that I experienced by doing nothing but sitting with my tree. Furthermore, I wanted the readers to gain the understanding that the hundreds of trees we pass by each day can serve us in ways we have never imagined. If all else fails, your tree can be the one constant in your life. The one thing you go and visit on a hard day, the thing you use to free your mind of unwanted thoughts, the thing you go see even on what feels like the best day of your life.
I wanted my audience to understand the depth of trees, and my tree specifically. How something we walk past aimlessly can be your anchor through all seasons of life.
Creative Response
Tranquility and Restoration Beneath the Oak
Works Cited
Dutt, Toru. “Our Casuarina Tree.” Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan, A. H. Wheeler & Co., 1882. Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/60317/our-casuarina-tree. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Craig Santos Perez. “Family Trees.” University of Hawai’i Press. JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2524xpt.62