Flame Trees

By Joshua A. Apolonio

It was a bright, shiny summer when I and Archie were having a walk. It was a busy morning when we have seen the students began to walk during their first day of school. I was so glad when I see our former school nearby with the very rare tree which I have never ever known what it is. It was said that it was the only tree which was able to grow with red beautiful flowers, most especially during summer time. Rising and blooming along the busy Manila streets, the children walk along the paths with the falling red flower heads of the tree. What a different smile it brings which also gives laughter to people because of its wonderful and colorful red bloom flower design.

“Joanna, it has been a great day, right? And I’m sure it will always be. Mother told me something about that tree. Have you heard that that tree is from a myth?”

“Whatever you say, Archie. It’s just that, that tree is so beautiful. I don’t mind knowing what its name is.”

“Yes, red in color. Very wonderful. It reminds me of my former girlfriend.” Said I and smiled.

“You still miss her? I think you really have to move on, Archie. It has been already a year.”

“What else can I do? I’m too young for her. I think she’s really not for me. I don’t want to talk about it, anyway.”

“Alright. As you say so.”

“Joanna, do you have a boyfriend?”

“No one asks me that except you. Hahaha. I’m not yet having any, Arch. Why?”

“I’m just asking if why you aren’t still having any boyfriends. You’re pretty. Hmm, well, I have to go. See you later!”

Blushed. That was how I felt that time. Blushed and a little shy. Now, I am still looking and wondering what the name of the tree could be. I should call it “The Red Tree” first. Since it looks very odd and is the only tree that has the red flower. Unlike the acacia tree, it may have some reddish flowers, but still, I suppose that it is not totally red, unlike this Red Tree I have seen.

On the next day, I woke up early in the morning. I have noticed that some flowers fell on our street and it made me happier that I should be. I laughed and have gone happier than I supposed to. Red flower buds fell and I have smelt the good aroma of the Red Tree nearby our house. I took all of it and put it on a vase. I was so happy that time and really made my day delightful.

“Hey, Archie! Will you come here, please?”

“Alright, wait for me.”

As I look in the vase, I was still thinking, what kind of flower is this and this is really rare. We should ask the others because even my mother doesn’t know this kind of blossom.

“Yes, Joanna?”

“Come in. Look at the flowers.”

“They’re red.”

“Of course, they’re red! What I mean is they are from the Red tree.”

“Really? How did you get it?”

“The flowers fell off because of the strong winds last night. I took all of it and I have smelt the scent of the red flower buds.”

“Want to go out?”

“Sure! Old times and the same place?”

“Alright!”

I’ve been so happy and glad that we will be seeing the Red tree again. Yes, it is summer. The sun shines bright, but still, the wind blows fast and carries some blossoms of the Red tree down.

An old woman, frequently called as ‘Nanay Linda’, went nearby the Red tree and swiped the flowers and put them altogether. We were confused and somehow a little bit curious because while she swipes all the flowers altogether, she’s smiling.

“Nanay Linda, can you still remember us? It’s us, Joanna and Archie. We were once a student of this school last year.” Said I.

“I can’t recall your names, but I do recognize your faces. What can I do for you, children?”

“Do you know the legend about this tree, Nanay?” Said Archie.

“A legend? That’s nonsense, Hijo. I would just rather say that this flower has great a symbolism. But not legends! My goodness.”

“Really, Nanay? Like what?” said I.

“Don’t you know, Hija, that this tree symbolizes a great flame of love? That is why this tree is so called as the Flame tree. This Flame tree gives the essential love of a man to a woman. That is why I can still remember my dead husband who has given me his full warmth of love when he was still living. Aside from the red rose which is just a simple plant, we still have the Flame Tree.”

Both I and Archie smiled. Now, I can still remember what Archie told me last time about having a boyfriend. Maybe having a boyfriend is not yet my time. Just like a Flame tree, its flowers fall when the wind strikes. Also, a Flame tree is seasonal. It may bloom on the right and appropriate season. Or maybe, the bloom is already there, but we are not just seeing it closer. Much closer…