Where my world began
The habitual comforting sight
of the forest glade quickens our heart beats as we enter in our customary
disorderly fashion. A tremor of excitement runs through our modest
congregation, each individual relishing the thought of escaping from the unbearable
dullness hanging so menacingly in the static summer air. This is the centre of our world; a place of
great beauty and abundance, a place brimming with diversions, a place of bliss,
a place of revelry.
This is our sanctuary, our
realm, our haven.
Thin rays of hindered
sunlight form diaphanous columns, acting as both spotlights and support systems to the cavernous foliage above. Gargantuan trees tower, alarming yet
protective, their ancient
bark twisted into an assembly of tempestuous, companionable and melancholy
faces. An ocean of
cushiony mosses and aesthetic ferns cloak the forest floor like lush blankets. The sweet
chirping of robins, humming of insects, the wind ruffling leaves and the occasional hoot of
an owl blend together to create a melodious and soothing melody.
Delicate lilies daintily
float upon a pool of shimmering water; home to a multitude of intriguing
aquatic creatures. Schools of brightly
colored fish flit about in circles as we admire them for hours, entranced by
their alien artistry. As
the dreamy movement of the sun indicates early afternoon, the intense
competition of who can collect the most outrageous frog or the greatest number
of snails begins. We search high and low, each scrutinizing every nook and
cranny in earnest, fighting for the most inhabited logs, climbing perilous
trees, squeezing into minuscule holes; our ambitious nature our Achilles heel. The winner receives the
ultimate prize: the choice of today’s game.
Endless rounds of tag, hide
and seek, manhunt, cops and
robbers and sardines become increasingly zealous as the afternoon
progresses. As cuts and bruises are accumulated, tension increases and egos
reveal themselves. Finally, with an insurmountable explosion of energy, the
last game comes to an end and we are left breathless and content.
Overwhelmed with exhaustion,
we soon fall asleep in the lush grass; the distinct aroma of damp greenery and
humid mud flooding our nostrils. A deep and restful sleep overtakes me whilst
dreams of woodland sprites
swirl through my mind. Minute fairy creatures sparkle brilliantly as
they dart about through the air, dancing at dizzying speeds,
inviting me to join them.
As all precious times do,
our splendid day comes to an end all too soon. One by one we depart, trailing
our feet behind in protest as we follow our mothers’ increasingly inpatient calls. These partings
are always tinged with a mixture of sadness and contentment: we must leave, but
we all know that we can always come back.
