The Art of Pollination

The other morning Issa was lost in thought, looking out the window while we sat at the breakfast table. I was drizzling honey on a sliced pear when he turned to me and asked, “Dad, I have a question.” That is typically how every conversation starts with him.

​“What is wood made out of?”

“Trees,” I replied.

“Then what are trees made out of?”

I felt I knew where he was going so I smiled and said, “Wood.”

“WHAT?! That makes no sense. How can wood make a tree and the tree make wood?!”​

“Fine,” He continued, “What is the pear made out of?”

I honestly didn’t know what to say. Do I google the origin of a pear tree, the nutrients, or the Chinese medical energetics? The question has many answers so I simply said, “Pear.”

“WHAT?! Pear is made of pear! That makes no sense.” He pointed at the painting of a covered bridge in the kitchen. “It's like saying that painting is made of painting.”

I saw his point and laughed. “Ok smart guy, you tell me what a pear is made out of?”

With a matter of fact tone he says ”Daddy, Pear is made of life.” 

In that moment the painting, the tree, the pear, Issa and myself were gone, only life remained. 

Later as I sat with the fullness of life, the memory came back to me years ago of watching spring flowers in bloom while a companion asked me, “Tell me Paolo, what do you see?”

“Bees going flower to flower, and butterflies as well. I see the art of pollination.”

He replied, "If you look at it from the view of science you will see the art of pollination. If you see it like a poet and a lover of wonder, you will see the art of pollination.

"If you see it with the eyes of life, you will be the art of pollination.”