Two sticks of gum, a ball of twine, an old school medal, a pocket watch, and two soap carvings of a curious boy and girl. All mysterious treasures left and meant to be found in the knothole of a grand tree by Scout and Jem Finch. 

When I drew this tree, I thought of those kids and endless summers fraught with adventure, of friends in collusion with inquisitive natures, double dares, and glorious mischief as life’s dramas unfolded around them.

I recalled autumns turning gold with nostalgia, the anticipation, angst and excitment of resuming school days, of costumes and plays. In my mind's eye, I could see the Finch family missing the tender touch of a mother's caress, the necessary support of a wife, the loneliness of a lost love. I admired the father whose gentle strength nurtured his children with wisdom and care.

The story provides an intricate look into a community in the 1930’s in Maycomb County, Alabama. Here we bear witness to the poignancy of opposing forces as the dark scourge of racism condemns the life of an innocent man. We watch the struggle as Atticus stands up to defend a good and decent man and to do what is right. We are aware of the risk he takes, while a vile and brutal hate tragically takes the life of Tom Robinson.

 Atticus’s bold action placed his children in perilous danger. Miraculously, Boo Radley is drawn out from the shadows to protect and save the Finch children from grave harm. Boo was an outcast, labeled as crazy, yet that night he revealed his true nature. Even amidst turmoil and heartache there is a redemptive power in Love.

It's a sin to kill a mockingbird. 

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Old Oak Tree by ~liz