To the eucalypts which kept me sane in 2020, by Nora Nadjarian

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.

When the wind blows

a strange waterfall of leaves

and that loving shhhh shhhh

I caress the smooth-as-milk white

bark and believe I’m in the right time

and the right place the sharp and crisp

of life and the whole world is green with envy.

Athalassa Park, Nicosia, Cyprus

Nora Nadjarian is a poet and writer from Cyprus. Her work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies around the world. www.noranadjarian.com

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.