"What nicer image to focus on at the beginning of one's year than the magnificence of the spring to follow. It matters not how many times I gaze at the beautiful crown of a tree in a field of green, my mind is instantly transported back to my emerald homeland where peace of mind can be purchased by a breath of fresh air and a short walk in the countryside. There is nothing as refreshing and re-invigorating as a stroll in nature's garden in the warm, spring sun to raise one's hopes of a good day to come and a better day to follow.
To see the sheep sleepily graze and the new lambs prance and rejoice in happy bleat is music to the ears of the homesick visitor to their native land. Imagine how many creatures have grazed this land since the tree first arrived in sapling form to take up centre stage within its field of green. I wonder how many walkers have trod its grass from the road to hillside far beyond or how many lovers have kissed and cuddled at the base of its trunk or have christened it with the sacrament of new life, not yet born? Perhaps, in centuries gone by, plots have been hatched beneath its branches, acts of great cruelty perpetrated, bodies secretly buried in its nutrient-rich soil or solemn wedding vows of faithfulness temporarily abandoned to lustful temptation and the breaking of innocent hearts? Children may have told each other secrets that are not for adult ears or located the precise spot where Roman treasure lies waiting to be unearthed.
To some, this splendid place will represent no more than a field with a large tree at its centre; to others, it will always be remembered as a field of dreams where once upon a time everything and anything seemed possible to have and to hold and was there for the mere wishing." William Forde: May 3rd, 2018.