There is a path that runs between my house and my neighors' house. Years ago, when the kids were little, they ran from house to house down the path. I'd look outside my kitchen window and the neighbor kids would have suddenly appeared, now digging with my kids in the dirt.
But over time, their lives got busy. Our lives got busy. And the blackberry brambles took over the path. I'd still clear it out once or twice a year, and the kids would still come over. Sometimes.
Last year, I don't think I cleared it out at all. Little trees started to grow. Sweet Carolina jasmine wound its way up and down and across the scratchy juniper bushes, which pushed ever onward into the once-open carefree space that connected our worlds.
At the last Open Garden, the kids who came moved all the wood they had been chopping for the last few weeks onto this barely-perceptible path. Then, I ran into my neighbors twice last week, out and about in our town. Their children are taller, older versions of the children that I knew. They haven't joined us yet at Open Garden since they are not home at that time of the day. But they are home lots of other times. And the path connects us. Or could.
So, yesterday, I took those big clippers and out I went. I fought back the thorny blackberry canes (and picked the thorns out of my clothes for ages afterwards). I trimmed the juniper bushes and pulled the Carolina jasmine until long ropes of it were in my arms. I added all this to the compost pile, and spread wheat straw down the path. I shouted to my kids to come look, and their eyes grew wide when they turned the corner and saw it, beckoning to them for the first time in a long time. A simple symbol that nurtures people. A path that connects.
I looked over the fence but never saw my neighbors while I was working. I suppose they weren't home, or were busy inside. I suppose they have no idea I did this yet. I'm tempted not to call them, to just let them discover the fresh straw and the clear path. And to find their way back, as I am trying to find mine.
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4 comments:
A larger path that connects. Tara and Niki (our golden retriever dogs) and I have just been out our front yard. It is a beautiful evening in South Australia and the sky is clear and the stars of the Milky Way are very bright tonight.They trail across the sky as bright lights. Tonight all around the globe people will look at the stars and whether we realize it or not we will all be connected to each other and to our galaxy.
What a beautiful visual, Maggie.
Your open garden day is so cool! I just can't see that working here, no one would come. But maybe I'll give it a try when it warms up.
Christy! Do it! Let us know how it goes. You may be very surprised.
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