Leaves play a significant part in the life of a plant or tree. Young green leaves are the essence of the tree. It is the green pigment in the leaves called chlorophyll, that is used in the processing of plant food. Nutrients from the soil, such as magnesium, manganese, tin and even sulfur and zinc, are drawn up by the roots.
These are then filtered up through the trunks to the branches, and then to the leaves. The leaves then combine the nutrients in the presence of sunlight, and manufacture plant food.
The yellow-green leaves of a plant or tree partially provide the plants and trees with food. Their main productive days are slowly diminishing but they still give help to the young shoots that are budding and unfolding. The yellow leaves give shade as well as support to the tree or plant. They prevent the harsh sun from scorching the young shoots. The yellow leaves soon turn brown and fall off. They too protect by covering the soil below to help keep the moisture in.
Similarly, we can compare the green leaves with the youths of our society. They are the essence of the world! These are the ones who replace us when we move on to maturity during growth and development. The chlorophyll in the green leaves can be associated with the speed and vitality of youth.
Adults, like the "roots" of a tree, filter up the ingredients to the youthful leaves in this electronic world. Due to their physiological thoughts, ideologies, experience and skills, backgrounds and cultural orientations, adults can be a resource as well as roll models to society's youths. These ingredients of proper manners, adjustment and adaptability, ability to cope with stressful situations, the stick-to-itiveness to remain and complete a task, developing healthy relationships with others, and training in proper work ethics; are all filtered up the "trunks" of training, various forms of schooling, workshops, and acquired skills.
Through the "branches" of parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, pastors, club associations, and a mixture of various cultures in society, the "green leaves" of children, students, young adults, and aspiring career builders "manufacture" the present and future "food", which is their contribution to society.
The yellow-green leaves are matured in their positions that they hold. Some persons have worked for thirty to forty years in a career, and had gained a wealth of experience that they share, and also act as role models and "buddies" for novices. Others were fortunate to work their way up to the top. Like the yellow-green leaves of the tree, they still partially work. They give "nourishment to the young leaves", through guidance and supervision. They look down the "ladder" and stretch down their hands to "pull" someone else up. They become role models and preceptors. Among these are the young executives, celebrities, movie stars who have "arrived", and am willing to help others in the same profession as they move either up or out on retirement.
The yellow leaves“, are supportive of the species. They have retired but still have a wealth of experience for the profession.
Like the yellow leaves of the tree, they offer "shade" and protection. They "shade" the green leaves", of our youth from the "scorching sun" by preventing failure and insecurity in the work force. They give constructive criticism to both the green and yellow green leaves. They also give appropriate and meaningful suggestions to enhance their skills.
The light "brown leaves" are those who volunteer if they are able. This helps to keep them physically fit as well as mentally alert. Most of them are in their sixties and seventies, and live alone at home. They may require some assistance with lifting objects, reading fine print, and may accept a seat offered in the bus or train. Some bold ones with good eyesight still drive a car.
The Brown leaves have fallen off and are now less active, have poor eyesight and perhaps a shuffling gait.
They desire our help and attention for having served, despite their ethnic orientation. They are still able to chatter away about the past, and have a wealth of knowledge to share, if we would take the time to listen.
