Somewhere Between The Trees

Experience Writing Halloween Challenge: CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

Suicasmo – Own work
Views of Mount Fuji from Ōwakudani

Crater with the Eight Sacred Peaks (Hasshin-po) Mt Fuji

Everything about Mount Fuji inspires anyone who views  it to reflect on life and art.

Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that has remained dormant since its last eruption in 1707  Fuji has an exceptionally symmetrical volcanic cone that is recognized globally as a natural symbol of Japan.It is also a popular subject for Japanese art due to its cultural and religious significance.  Mount Fuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site in 2013 for its profound impact on art, religion, and culture.

The Aokigahara forest, also called the Sea of Trees, sits right along the edge of Mount Fuji.

This forest  is called the Sea of Trees for good reason and even though I’ve only seen pictures and videos of it, I will go out on a limb and say it is just as inspirational and  it causes people to reflect on life as well, though for sadder and darker reasons.”

The Aokigahara forest, also called the Sea of Trees is also known as the Suicide Forest.

Remnants: Shoes for a man, a woman and a child left in the Aokigahara Jukai forest on the flank of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture. The name in part translates as ‘Sea of Trees,’ though with good reason it is often referred to as ‘Suicide Forest.’ | ROB GILHOOLY

Sometimes people find the suicides shortly after they have passed. Other times all people find are the ropes and clothes , a few bones and notes rendered illegible by the elements. But the people that no one finds are taken by the trees and brought back to the earth.

They are consumed by the forest in silence.

Aokigahara forest in Yamanashi, Japan.

When someone walks through the forest and they stop for shade and rest against a tree, it’s possible that the tree from which they seek protection is a tomb- that in it’s limbs and leaves hold the last traces of a person who walked into the Sea of Trees and drowned.

If you visit the Sea of Trees, remember it’s a graveyard  show respect and care and remember the dead  are not resting all around you.

“Quietly think once more about your parents, siblings or children,” the sign says in Japanese. “Please don’t suffer alone, and first reach out.”

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