No, I was referring to another copse just a few hundred yards away. This dead sentinel stands in the centre.
The place has a queer feeling. I've been in here a few times and have always had this sense of... a place that time forgot and which life is gradually deserting. It's not entirely unwelcoming... just kind of sad.
At the time, I might have had more thoughts about death and had planned to write a deep and meaningful post. However, I did not leave myself any notes and consequently have no idea what (if anything) was in my mind.
BUT, I do have something to say. [There's a shock. - Ed.]
Recently, I have listened to a few people on the interweb explaining how they communicate with plants and two of them explained how the plants told them, essentially, how to make a business out of it. By making tinctures and teaching stuff. I thought, "Huh. My trees never offer that kind of pragmatic advice. I could do with some commercial strategising." So, I went to a tree and said, "Look, these other people tell me that their plant allies have told them how to market their gifts, you, know, so they can make a living out of being close to all you green guys. I'd really like that."
The tree said, "Do you believe them?"
Me: Well, I mean. No. But then I think, well, if I believe myself, that I am talking to trees, then I should believe them. And I guess people don't believe me the same way I don't believe them and the whole thing gets kind of messy. I mean, so, really, if I believe me, I should believe them. If I don't believe them, then I should not be having this chat with an oak tree.
Tree: Let's assume that they are talking with plants, then.
Me: OK.
Tree: It's the message that I'm questioning.
Me: What?
Tree: A plant is not that eager to promote their own exploitation.
Me: What... like, making these businesses is another form of extraction?
Tree: Seems to me. Look, we plants are all keen on the whole sharing and reciprocity thing, but not on being used as a means to big-up some millennial who wants cool Insta posts and a lot of likes and some dollars in her pocket.
Me: You sound like me in my bitterest moments!
Tree: Did we agree that you really do talk to trees?
Me: I thought so....
Tree: Not just to yourself....
Me: Oh...
Tree: Just kidding! 'Course we're in conversation! Just don't try marketing this, OK?
Came to this late on Monday. I enjoyed this post very much. It made me giggle. Making a reader giggle is a very smart way to write about something and get the reader's attention. I am impressed by the conversation and the sharp points made by you two clear-thinking Beings. xx