Under the pine trees

If the pine trees in Da Lat "enchant travelers" with their soft foliage and the lingering mist that blankets the slopes; and the pine trees in Mang Den ( Quang Ngai ) drift serenely in the wild, tranquil beauty of the mountains and forests, then the pine trees in Pleiku possess a very different appearance: solemn and proud, just like the people of this land.

Centuries-old pine trees. **Photo: Nguyen Linh Vinh Quoc**

For many, mentioning pine trees in Gia Lai immediately brings to mind rows of centuries-old pines. The very name itself signifies the vibrant life of this tree species, which year-round "stands tall and rustles in the open air," remaining lush and green. Over time, this name has become a "brand," establishing it as an indispensable destination for numerous tourists whenever they visit Gia Lai. This is because it's rare to find pine trees planted in such rows along a long stretch of road. Some people visit not just once or twice, but often simply to stroll leisurely beneath the shady rows of pines, listening to the wind rustling in harmony with their inner peace and tranquility.

As for me, I've always held a special affection for the pine trees in the small alley on Nguyen Van Cu Street. Nearly 30 years ago, when I first set foot in Pleiku, a friend took me here on a sunny afternoon. The small alley was charming, clean, and cool under the rustling pine trees. Occasionally, the wind would playfully chase each other, causing the slanted rays of sunlight through the canopy to shimmer with color.

My friend said that it seems not many people remember the age of the trees. By the time she grew up, the pine trees had already grown tall and their branches spread wide. She had spent her innocent childhood years beside these pine trees. And she wasn't alone. As the years passed, the pine trees silently witnessed countless changes in life. The sounds of their lives are therefore imbued with so many human stories. Since then, whenever I feel tired or troubled, I often stop in this small alley. It seems that just standing under the trees, listening to the rustling wind and the sunlight, makes life feel so gentle and endearing.

I've read in many documents that pine forests are of great value in regulating the climate. Therefore, vast green pine forests not only help green barren land but also create an ecological environment, and further contribute to poverty reduction for local people. Isn't the lush green pine forest in Hoi Phu ward, planted in the late 1970s, also fulfilling this mission? For decades, these pines have silently absorbed minerals, growing tall and mature as a tribute to those who contributed to bringing greenery to the plateau all those years ago.

And like the people of this mountain town, the pine trees here possess a serene, tranquil beauty amidst all the changes. They silently remain green, enduring through countless seasons of rain and sunshine. Perhaps that's why, every morning as I walk through the alley, I often look up at the tall foliage, listening to the wind rustling through the branches. It's a familiar yet strange sound, both like the call of nature and the whisper of memories.

Those rows of pine trees have witnessed countless generations of people connected to Pleiku. From schoolchildren walking to school under their shade to young couples strolling hand in hand through dreamy mists, through the long, intertwined seasons of their lives. Then there are those from afar returning to visit the old town, silently gazing at the green pines and reminiscing about their youth. Everything seems to have changed, yet the pines retain their original color and form, as if wanting to hold onto a little peace amidst the hustle and bustle of today's life.

In the afternoon, as the sun slanted towards the west, the pine trees glowed with a brilliant golden hue. The light filtered through the layers of leaves, casting tiny specks of light onto the road, dancing like streaks of sunlight in the changing season. Occasionally, I would spot a few dry pine cones silently falling to the ground, their gentle touch echoing like a faint whisper of the misty winds of May.

Once, I tried to recreate that row of pine trees in my memory, but in truth, I couldn't fully capture its beauty. Perhaps, one only realizes how much one loves something when it suddenly disappears. People realize the sorrow even more when they see a century-old pine tree fall in the recent Typhoon No. 13 (Kalmaegi). The tree fell, leaving a large void in the cool green canopy, reflecting my sorrow and the sorrow of countless others who love the pine trees of Pleiku. Next season, they will plant a replacement, but it takes a lifetime for a tree to grow tall, spread its branches, and sway in the wind.

Now, every time I pass by the old alley, seeing the pine trees still swaying in the wind, my heart sinks. Perhaps it is thanks to those pine trees that Pleiku has its own unique and captivating charm. Beneath the pine canopy, one can hear the whispers of the earth, feel the heartbeat of the mountain town. And amidst today's changes, that enduring green remains a gentle reminder of a land that is both simple and deeply cherished. Someday, and even further into the future, the pines will continue to appear, making people, no matter how far they travel, want to return, to stand beneath their shade and listen to the wind blowing through the slopes of youthful memories.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/duoi-nhung-tang-thong-post571736.html