Local Hero, by Finola Scott
Sydney Gardens Tree Weekender writing competition — this piece was selected by our volunteer judges as worthy to be included on a long list. Competition entrants were asked to write a poem or prose piece of 250 words or fewer on the theme of trees in parks and public gardens, as well as identify the local park or garden, the trees in which inspired them.
Happy generations make pilgrimage here
to learn balance, to seize courage. Up, up
they clamber this green ladder, confident
and safe on sturdy boughs. Hands turn
resin-sticky on pink-brown bark while
soft tufts of needles prepare to turn gold.
Below plump squirrels and mice scamper
and forage among the tree’s gift of cones.
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The glory of the neighbourhood, rooted
firm in sphagnum moss and ancient peat
the tree’s delicate canopy tickles the blue.
catches stray clouds, tucks them cosy
as scarves when bare winter bites.
Shy and generous it holds out its arms,
invites strollers and hikers to soar.
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Children become birds, pirates, cowboys.
Grannies fret at the swaying height,
Recalling their Tarzan days, Dads grin
and hoist laughing little ones skywards.
Treetop teenager take selfies, claim their space.
As autumn goldens its garments, faces glow.
Crows and sparrowhawks wait their turn
to feather nests for nights with their tree.
The Lenzie Moss Larch, Lenzie Moss Nature Reserve, Glasgow
Finola Scott’s poems are published widely. She enjoys tickling her grandchildren and dancing in the kitchen. Her work can be read at FB Finola Scott.
Read other long listed pieces here. From 24 November, discover whether this piece made the shortlist — you can listen to it using the Echoes.xyz app either within or around Sydney Gardens in Bath or remotely.
Find out about all the events running on-line or in Sydney Gardens over the Tree Weekender on 27 & 28 November 2021, and look out especially for the Celebratory Finale Showcase at which the Competition winners and runners-up will be announced.
With special thanks to Dr Richard White and undergraduate students in Participatory Media at Bath Spa University for their support in making the geo-located audio pieces.
