They Nailed Signs to Trees

I Needed a Closer Look

Look, nobody has to make a handwritten sign. Nobody has to take a handmade sign and tack it to a tree. So, when a human does such a thing, it makes me feel that the chaos and cruelty we too often see are not all there is to humans.

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A few months back, Dan and I were getting some R&R on the coast of Sonoma County, California.

One afternoon, we drove about an hour and a half north on Highway 1 to check out the cute little town of Mendocino which we hadn’t been to since way before the pandemic. Along the way, we passed through the small coastal town of Point Arena. As we whizzed by, a set of Eucalyptus trees that framed a curve caught my eye. I saw small signs on them, but we passed by too quickly for me to read.

Hours later on the drive home, the strange Point Arena trees came back into view. I tried to video them but got my act together too late, so I asked Dan to turn around and double back. This time, I got out and took pictures. This is what there was to see.

Big whoop, your brain might be saying back to me cuz you see signs like this on yard signs, t-shirts, social media posts, and anywhere and everywhere lefties congregate.

But hear me. These signs, affixed to trees, felt more permanent to me. Less passing fad and more weathered permanence. Like a statue. Like, When you, stranger, pass this way, we want you to know that the humans who make up this place have this to say. Unlike a lawn sign, shirt, or social post, the humans who did this were not even there to receive my applause or accolades or to perform the part of a human who feels such things. These signs stood by themselves, anonymous, looming, haunting, warning, and welcoming.

So persons of Point Arena who did this and stand by it still, I applaud you. In a polarized America your trees offer defiance, determination, and hope.

And persons reading this, please comment below with the kinds of signs you cherish in the world around you? Also, if you like to make signs, tell us about the signs you make for other humans to see? It makes a difference. We need more of it, please.

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