Out the back of my house there is an urban jungle. There is a wash of green that stretches almost as far as the eye can see – dotted with coloured blooms of yellow and white. With eager eyes and an undeniable curiosity, I begin to explore the jungle – seeking out treasures of delicate leaves or shiny beetles. A little bee circles closely, regarding my actions with a friendly hum.
This jungle is bursting with life. Emerald flies, greenbottles I am told, zip from one leaf to the other – never allowing me more than a glimpse of their intricate, stained glass wings. There’s a gentle smell on the breeze; must be the hogweed. Their flowers cluster together in bunches, releasing their sweet scent into the afternoon air. There are dandelions aplenty, some still dressed in their spring yellows whilst others have adorned themselves with feathery clocks that are ready to fly, fly, fly away.
In amongst the sea of green I catch a glimpse of red. A pair of ladybirds, joined together while a third looks on (whether he is envious, I’m unable to tell). I watch them for a little while, before something else grabs my attention. This time, it’s an exquisite but tiny flower – petals splayed out like a ballerina’s tutu. As soon as I’ve seen one, I spot another, and another. With a smile I recall this beauty’s name, the ivy-leaved toadflax. It’s one of my favourites.
Above me I hear birds singing as they swoop on the wind. Jackdaws, sparrows, swallows and crows. They’re calling to one another. I wish I knew what they were saying.
I stand for a moment, basking in the warmth of the day and marvel at the jungle.
We all live and breathe as one, under a blue sky and a blazing sun.
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