Unfurling

“Here is the fern’s frond, unfurling a gesture,
Like a conductor whose music will now be pause
And the one note of silence
To which the whole earth dances gravely –“
 - opening verse of ‘Fern’ by Ted Hughes

"Only spread a fern frond over a man’s head and worldly cares are cast out, and freedom and beauty and peace come in." ~John Muir 

John Muir knew about the healing power of nature.  Yesterday, I set off on a walk up the lane and across the fields, feeling rather tired and run down with a bad cold. I came home refreshed and renewed. Here is a link to pictures of wild flowers (weeds!) that I took.

Click here to watch a wonderful video of an unfurling fern frond.

Writing prompts:

• You are a fern frond about to unfurl. How do you feel? Have you been anticipating this moment for some time? When you finally throw back your head to the sun what are you going to shout? Write about it. 
• What is your favourite wildflower/ weed? Write a description of it and where you would find it.
• Write about a time when you have felt refreshed in nature.