The Dryad, by E.E. Rhodes
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.
The tree had called people to her for hundreds of years. Grandad told us she grew on the site of one that was older still. Everyone hung wishes in the branches. Scraps of cloth tied on in a knot. We whispered the prayer to the tree under our breath. The spirit in the branches would do her best, if you asked nicely. But I tried to never ask for too much.
Grandad said the bits of cloth were our half of a conversation. That if we listened we’d hear the tree’s reply. Sometimes he rested his head against the trunk. I wondered what the tree told him: that I was too greedy; Josie too proud; Tommy too mean? That she was tired of us asking so much of her?
Later, when they cut the tree down, it felt like our prayers were cut down too. We tried to save as many rags as we could, took them home, washed and ironed them. Made them into a wreath, so the chainsaw men wouldn’t die of the desecration. Or the people on the council who approved the housing. Or the families who lived in those flats built on the development called Clootie Tree Grove. I was worried there was nowhere for all those hopes and wishes to go.
Sometimes though, I stand at the end of the road and think I can hear the wind whistling through her branches. The tree laughing as she spills our secrets, now that she’s free.
Cassio Park in Watford, Hertfordshire.
E. E. Rhodes writes for Spelt Magazine and has recently been long-listed for the Nan Shepherd Prize. Other work has been nominated for the BIFFY50 and BOTN.
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.
