Greener
written by: Tina Cathleen MacNaughton
I look at my partner of more than three decades, and see that he is greying, stoops a little, and has a back problem. He is an old man now. I look younger than him, have always worn my years more lightly, and must slow down my faster, sprightly step when we walk together.
I sometimes flush when I receive the odd compliment from a man, and smile when the young window cleaner calls me ‘his darling.’ Is it wrong to feel flattered by male attention and sometimes allow my imagination to wander into forbidden territories? Is the grass ever greener? It could be, I sometimes think, but have the wisdom and experience to know that it is not always, and not forever.
Our garden lawn is sometimes emerald lush, other times patchy brown, or yellowing. We have a small pond with an exotic deep pink lily, centre stage. One year, we were disappointed when it did not erupt in fragrant flower. Still, it stood pride of place, without petals, leaves green and glossy as a verdant crown.
We spend time working in our garden. We feed the lawn, repair, and replenish when it is not at its beautiful best. It always comes back with a little attention. If the lily does not bloom to its full potential, we shrug our shoulders and accept that next year will be better. The lily needs its quiet time; it cannot always shine.
Things change, nothing stays the same, there are cycles. There may be dull times, calm times, difficult times, ugly times, wonderful times. Sometimes the grass is a little greener elsewhere, for a time at least.
But when the lily silently blossoms into full resplendence, nothing beats it. All our tender care and hard work feel worth it.
- This Country - October 12, 2024
- Greener - July 21, 2024
- Disappointment - April 11, 2023
