Tree Speak

I walk through the forest,
the trees tall and knowing,

Remembering our years,
of wisdom and courage.

One of the things 2020 brought me was words, it was a good year to write, words earthed their way onto the page month after month. A number of them were about trees and being in the company of them, memories too, of my time in an ancient woodland in Wales.

I grew up in Surrey a tree-filled county and since young I have been aware of the interconnectedness of the human journey and natural world, many of my creative words are about this relationship.

In my current home, I’m lucky to be close to some beautiful woodland, ancient woodland in Dartmoor, which inspired me to create the Winter Series, and a special Redwood forest near where I live. The Redwoods are sturdy and tall, a sense of longstanding connection comes as I stand amongst them. One of my poems from last year was called “The Company Of Trees”, reflecting this relationship.

A fortnight ago, by the Redwoods, I saw a Peregrine and then an Owl in my imagination, both connected to what I’m currently working on. I then created the Peregrine artwork below in ink and watercolour.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed that taking a steady pace yields well. Taking time is a form of self-care, it’s also a stand of courage. The full version of the short poem “Tree Speak”, and accompanying film, can be seen over on my Instagram page.

Artwork & Words © Sophia England