"Who leaves the pine-tree, leaves his friend, unnerves his strength, invites his end." These lines are taken from Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem, "Woodnotes". It is a beautiful poem about the majesty of nature.
I think the image is a strong visual allegory for the quote, and I like the balance of pine needles and bare earth (?) bisected by the pine cone. It hints of life and rebirth. Only criticism is that the lighting is a bit strong.