More than one hundred and fifty years ago the garden belonged to someone else, a different family. Back then the trees were mere saplings, there was a neat path, fragrant roses, herb garden and vegetable patch. Life was simpler, with fewer gadgets, neighbours and expectations. It was quieter and slower paced. The inhabitants of the house got up and lay down with the sun, they lived by the seasons, and the moon was a just face in the night sky. The woman who lived there understood the power of plants, the wisdom of growing things, which became memories in her old age, and these memories were left here with the trees, with the willow, birch, apple, plum and quince, locked into their long roots and gnarled branches until autumn teased them each year, plucked their fruit and leaves, and released them on the breeze.
Kim M. Russell, 17th September 2019
My response to dVerse Poets Pub Prosery: Memories with the Trees
This week’s Prosery prompt, our fourth, has been provided and hosted by Merril. She reminds us that Prosery is flash fiction (of any genre) that incorporates a line from a poem and is no more than 144 words, which must include a given prompt line taken from a poem. Merril has taken a line from the new US poet laureate, Jo Harjo: “These memories were left here with the trees” from the poem ‘How to Write a Poem in a Time of War’.
writing in north norfolk 
Almost like a fairy tale–I wonder if someone will sniff and listen to the breeze and find some of the memories and wisdom?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I found some already, Merril!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe that’s true. Trees especially hold onto what they have been given and pass it on. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The trees in our garden whisper to me all the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with all that has been said. What struck me is that trees must grow as we do in order to find their wisdom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Irene. I agree about growing to find wisdom.
LikeLike
I like the image of the stories being released with the leaves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Judy.
LikeLike
I sort of love how the fruit ripens through the story, ending with them dropping and the leaves falling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I can really feel how the past lingers with the trees, how the you can feel her breath in the taste of the apples…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your comment makes me very happy, Bjorn.
LikeLike
Excellent writing Kim ! Good use of the prompt line. Enjoyed reading this piece. Longevity and endurance is fascinating to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rob.
LikeLike
I love the idea of autumn plucking the memories from the trees!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person