Metamorphosis of a tree. To those who are feeling sad, broken, unheard, or burdened by life's many trials....💕💕💕
My heart is breaking from reading some of the Metamorphosis challenge entries. Please pluck a letter here, for I find myself asking 'how does the Vocal team do this' every day. 💕

I wish I had a magic tree, which grew and blossomed into beautiful flowery letters. I would fashion them into lovely words of soothing heartfelt ministrations of individual needs. I would design and thoughtfully mold each one to suit every personal request, sending peace and joy across the sky.
Words of love, comfort, joy, reassurance...words of overcoming, perseverance, balm to sorrow, songs of praise...words to wish you congratulations, words to raise you up high, words to erase the pain and suffering of time gone by...words...oh! such words to heal the world of all wrongs and evil deeds.
If I could from this tree, grow the fruits of peace flowing like a river through the garden of our lives...draw you all a roadmap to this wonderful miracle of which we can only dream.
Vocal team
I have a newfound admiration for the readers behind these words, those who toil away, every day, absorbing the myriad of dissonant voices resounding with every emotion of which the human psyche is capable. I wonder if I could do it...It takes a special kind of strength to heed the call of the WILD...wild words planted in a perpetual forest...growing new, yet old leaves every day.
Thank you. Thank you, (presumptuously) on behalf of everyone else.
Thank you to all creators who take the time to read and do other kind deeds beyond the ordinary.

The psychology behind kindness and unkindness is deeply rooted in human behavior, emotions, and social dynamics.
Kindness
Kindness is often driven by empathy, compassion, and prosocial behavior—actions intended to benefit others without expecting anything in return. Research shows that acts of kindness activate brain regions associated with empathy and reward, releasing chemicals like oxytocin, which fosters bonding and trust. Kindness also has psychological benefits, such as boosting mood, reducing anxiety, and increasing social connectedness. It can even improve physical health, like lowering blood pressure.
Unkindness
Unkindness, on the other hand, can stem from various factors, including stress, fear, or a lack of empathy. Social and environmental influences, such as competition or cultural norms, can also play a role. Sometimes, unkind behavior arises from a need to assert dominance or protect oneself in perceived threatening situations. Psychological theories suggest that unkindness may be a defense mechanism or a way to cope with personal insecurities.
Both kindness and unkindness are influenced by individual experiences, upbringing, and societal context. What drives people to choose one over the other.
++
On a personal level, the ability to hurt others without apparent care can often be tied to deeper psychological factors. For some, it's a failure of empathy---they may struggle to see or feel the pain their actions cause others. Empathy isn't always innate; it can be shaped by upbringing, life experiences, or even neurological differences.
Sometimes people hurt others out of their own pain. If someone feels powerless, insecure, or unloved, they may lash out as a way of coping, deflecting their own struggles onto others. It's not an excuse, but it can be an explanation for behaviors that seem unkind or even cruel.
There’s also the idea of emotional detachment or desensitization. When someone repeatedly witnesses or engages in harmful behaviors---especially in environments that normalize it---they might grow numb to the impact of their actions. That lack of connection to the suffering of others can make hurting someone feel less consequential.
Lastly, societal pressures, competition, or even a skewed sense of justice can lead people to justify their actions. If someone believes they’re “right” or acting out of fairness in their own mind, they might disregard how their behavior affects others.
To anyone who may be feeling broken, unheard, or burdened by pain:
I want you to know that your experiences, your struggles, and your emotions matter deeply. Even if the world has felt indifferent or dismissive, please know that your suffering does not go unnoticed---there are those who see you, who care about your heart and your story.
Life can sometimes feel impossibly heavy, and I can’t pretend to understand the depth of your pain. But what I can offer is my unwavering belief in the strength you hold within you, even if it feels like it’s out of reach. You are not alone, and you are not defined by your hardships. The light within you may flicker, but it is never fully extinguished.
Please remember that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to ask for help, to lean on others, and to take time to heal. The act of surviving itself is profoundly brave, and any step---no matter how small---is worthy of celebration. You are much stronger, braver than you may realize, and you deserve kindness and compassion, both from others and from yourself.
Wherever you are, I hope this message reaches you like a warm embrace, reminding you that there is hope, there is love, and there is a future brighter than today. You are cared for, and you are never forgotten.
With all our empathy and warmth,
Here is to the final note of triumph and warmth:
And as you move forward, know this: within you lies a wellspring of courage and a capacity for love that can light even the darkest of paths. Your story is still unfolding, and each new chapter holds the promise of growth, healing, and brighter days. Trust in your own strength, and remember that even in moments of doubt, you are deeply cherished, and your life is a shining star of hope. May you continue to rise in victory and newfound indomitability, and may love, in all its forms, guide you toward a future filled with peace and joy.

Follow the map to the magical tree of letters, it will know your heart's desire and offer you the perfect balm for your state of mind. Sit at it's roots and bare your souls. It will listen and not judge, it will embrace you, unconditionally, offering you just the correct dose of what you seek.

Magic of a tree
Beneath the golden twilight
Stands a tree where letters grow
Not leaves nor fruit, but words it writes
Shimmering softly in the morning light
Each branch offers solace
A gift for those who walk alone
A single pluck, the perfect key
To heal, to guide, to set hearts free.
A mother weeps...a letter falls,
Warm words of love, the heart recalls.
A weary soul, lost in the night,
Grasps a phrase that soothes the heart.
A child who dreams but fears to try,
Finds courage carved in words so bright
A traveler, worn by winding roads,
Reads hope that lessens heavy loads.
The tree knows well the secret need,
And gifts its wisdom like a seed.
Pluck just one, the words will weave,
A spell of truth to those who believe.

Still we read and we write.
If you picked a letter...Please!...Sign below.
With thanks...The Tree.
About the Creator
Antoni De'Leon
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. (Helen Keller).
Tiffany, Dhar, JBaz, Rommie, Grz, Paul, Mike, Sid, NA, Michelle L, Caitlin, Sarah P. List unfinished.


Comments (13)
Thank you for caring and for pouring your beautiful, self-less, compassionate, wise spirit into your work. This was gorgeously-executed and inspiring! Have a wonderful weekend Antoni! You deserve it! 🌸
There is a thing that having no boundaries to empathy can turn into apathy and anger
Fascinating poem and you have written extremely good
I need to pluck quite a few, but I won't be selfish. Sometimes i read and want to skip over the really sad parts, but every story matters. Such a wonderful idea of a healing tree. Love it a lot.❤️
Interesting....
You know the saying "Hurt people hurt people". It's so true although it's not right. We should never bleed on people who weren't the cause of our wounds. Loved this and your poem as well
Yes — thank you!! So much appreciation. It’s tough writing it all down —so I can’t imagine reading through the vast collective of emotions. Good to meet you, I’m new to Vocal. 🕊️🤍
I love how hopeful this is 😁
Thank you for the verbal hug of encouragement, Antoni, & for this tree of letters. The poem is lovely. Have you linked it in Natasha Collozo's poetry challenge? I'm sure she would love to read it.
Thanks for sharing. This could be an inspiration for all that read it. Well Done!!!
Thank you for sharing, Trees are very much a part of life,
The Tree sure can teach a lot of lessons in prose and poetry. Good job.
This is a gift to those who read it