Anyone for Trees ?

"Do you think I'm dendro-erotic ?"

"Not really, we are only playing the part of trees. We are not in love with them."

Susan and Trevor Trenchard had got a part in the local theatre amateur group after months of trying. They were to be two trees in the wood: a wood of sundews and star-shaped wildflowers. They were non-speaking parts. Susan and Trevor believed in giving their all. They did not want to short change the director, Mrs. Claridge, particularly when she had passed over their friends from across the road. It would be their big moment.

The rest of the players seemed unmoved by the casting, distinctly unimpressed by their interpretation of the wood. Susan and Trevor however, wanted to make the most of the production. They had been reading all sorts of books about trees, and had come across this term 'dendro-erotic'. Could you be in love with trees ? They found one article about a half-tree half-man person.

As trees, Susan and Trevor exchanged love-making signals. They were becoming dendro-erotic, for all of Susan's reticence. Their big night arrived and everything went really well. Their trees swayed in the breeze, lovingly, longingly, very convincingly. When the clapping stopped and they made for home both Susan and Trevor seemed disappointed their life as trees was all over.

Susan and Trevor got out of their car near a small copse and, with loosened clothing, embraced the mighty oaks and an occasional willow sapling. They loved trees.

"I could be here forever," said Trevor, "just growing in the wood, pushing up to halcyon skies with beautiful green leaves."

"Yes," said Susan, "it would be wonderful."

The couple stood quite motionless, their outstretched hands almost touching, like intertwining branches. Suddenly there was a flash of lightning and the moon showed gibbous in the starry diamond bright sky.

Other members of the cast passed by, but saw nothing other than two recent additions to the wood. As real trees their aspiration was complete. The following morning Susan and Trevor were in full bud, their viridian shoots and young leaves opening to a skeptical world that would never understand two actors that had to be the best !