Highights of 2020 No. 5 – NETTLES

NETTLES

I know, unlikely. But that first day out from the lockdown, when I saw the nettles, wow. I had to write about it.

NETTLES

Lockdown had halted my regular walks so, on this first outing, my knees feel creaky and my ankles complain.  But the sun soothes my back.

 In the park at the end of our road I cross the little bridge.  The rusting bike is gone.  The stream is clear and the water is gurgling.  On the bank there is a great bed of nettles. They have a come-hither look.  I find myself staring.  The leaves spring out from their stems.   Healthy.  Alert.   Edges serrated.  Ready to sting an attacker.   I always thought that new growth was tender and green but not these.   These are dark, tinged with purple and beautiful.  

Butterflies love nettles. People gather them for soup.   Some slash and burn them.  I stand and look, remembering childhood stings, my father plucking a soothing dock leaf and endless summers. 

____

So that was two highlights for the price of one. The Nettles and the enjoyment of writing the piece.

Please click LIKE. Feel free to REBLOG.

And if you click FOLLOW CATHERINE, I’ll be thrilled.