And the small boy touches the ancient one in wonder, and smiles and waves at all the tree's guests, before skipping joyfully away, proud of his wish for this special Earth Day. © 2021 Christine Larsen
Sweet Solitude by Sylva Fae It's amazing how quickly a mug of coffee next to a camp fire can soothe away the stresses of life. The breeze through the leaves clears my mind and my breathing slows to the rhythm of the swaying branches. I feel my troubles dropping away like the autumn leaves. It's beautiful here, nothing to do but sip my coffee and stare into the flickering flames. They lick at the cloth and flare bright crimson, hissing as the fire consumes the evidence of my endeavours.
I grimace slightly as the act of raising my mug jars my aching shoulder. It's a good ache though, a sign of a job well done. I drain the mug and watch as the fire reduces the blood-stained clothing to a pile of ashes. The fresh earth clinging to the spade at my feet is the only reminder now. I sigh into the breeze and breathe in the contentment of newfound solitude.
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