My friend Johannes says that it is considered fortunate to have an Oak Tree at the entrance to your home.
I do not know the name of the man who has lived in this tree for as long as I have driven along this leafy road, Observatory Curve in Johannesburg. Must be nearly 20 years now.
This morning, I went to visit to see if I could meet him. There was a warm smell of a small fire burning inside and I have seen smoke pouring out of the top of the house in winter. Though there was none today.
I called out and he replied but he didn’t open the door.
Actually there was no door that I could see. Or even a window. I said I wanted to take photographs and he said something I could not hear but he still did not appear. I have seen him once or twice when driving past and he looks like he is part of the tree. An oak.
When you go there, you get a real sense of sanctuary. Home.