You could no longer bend with the wind. Yesterday it broke you down, revealing that you weren’t as strong as we thought. You had a weakness that you kept hidden. Was it worms that did this? Or maybe insects or fungi that caused this weariness?
We wept for a moment near you, wished you well, and walked on, past the wasted part of the wood.
Cynthia M Voss 
About six years ago I was on my deck scraping the paint on the house and I kept hearing this strange noise. It went on and on and then I heard a crash. A neighbor’s tree, about 30+ feet tall fell over. It was totally rotted inside.
That’s pretty scary, glad it missed you (and any houses I hope!)
This is so sad. Lovely pic though Cynthia 🙂
Thanks, Lynne, it was a bummer to find.