A Story for you…
A long, long time ago, I started life as a straight row of seedlings and young trees.
Day after day I grew wide and strong, wilder and thicker, with many new branches and thickets.
Decade upon decade I divided and offered protection, I housed many wild creatures, and nursed many more. Some flew, others scurried, many died, but many more were born.
Century after century, in equal measures, I was hidden in overgrowth and I was uncovered and cared for, I got lost in neglect and I was found and appreciated.
Over time I grew old and lost my balance, then found new footings and spread new roots.
Time after time I saw comings and goings, saw the fields changing colour, and saw the sky open and close.
I felt dry and thirsty, and I felt wet and cold.
I was both visible and invisible. I was working and I was idle.
But soon the nearby barn will be converted, a new dwelling will be born, and I will become part of a new existence, a new hedge, a new boundary…
A long, long time ago, I started life as a straight row of seedlings and young trees, and I will live on…
Ercilia Gardner, 16.04.2020
Stories – Woodford Hedgerow, 2020 (Ink Pen)
