We were in Italy while Iris was in California, graciously taking care of the house and dogs. One night we received a distress call from Iris, telling us that the huge old oak tree in the back yard had collapsed in a bad storm. We were sad to imagine the loss of our beloved tree that had provided over 100 years of reliable shade. However, after the tree was gone, the back yard became a totally different place. Sun streamed in everywhere and the possibility of new growth struck us.

Through the window at our apartment, we saw a beautiful patch of wild irises growing in the sun. It seemed a perfect metaphor for creating the space that each of us needs to stretch out and grow as we see fit. It was one of those final gestures of “release” that brought new life to our “family garden.” The old oak tree taught us some important lessons that year.

Lyrics

Beneath the shady oak
Where the ivy grows
Is not where the iris blooms

Under the lacy tree, I see
Vines spreading wild and free
But it’s not where the iris blooms

Out in the bright sunshine
The iris stands proud and tall
With plenty of room to breathe
And sway in the morning breezes of springtime
Peeking above the garden wall
The iris thrives, the iris grows

Once I cast great shadows over the garden
Creating shady, barren ground
Nothing bloomed
Then just by stepping aside
Letting the sunshine through
It wasn’t long before I saw
The flowers bloom
And I blossomed too

Basking in filtered light
Ferns unfurl with delight
But it’s not where the iris blooms

Tucked in beneath the brush
Where the moss grows lush
Is not where the iris blooms

Out in the bright sunshine
The iris stands proud and tall
With plenty of room to breathe
And sway in the morning breezes of springtime
Peeking above the garden wall
The iris thrives, the iris grows

Season after sun-filled season, taller still, she looms
Awakened after winter’s freezing, the purple iris blooms
With the sun, she blooms

The iris blooms

Credits

From The Way to Love, track released 01 July 2006
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics and vocals
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar and vocals
Inspiration – Iris and the old oak tree