A ring of brambles round an oak

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

1 Peter 1:2
The sky is grey but the twigs are swelling.
The rain it rains almost every day and the oak has dark lines drawn vertically, stripes coloured in, as a dark response. Then under and around the trunk are brambles. Come August and early September these thorny brambles will have blackberries. They begin as hard and green then change to pink and red and last of all are juicy black.
Thorny Brambles with camouflage patches of brown accompanied by a few leaves of stinging nettles.
Fresh frilled leaf, edged in maroon, a brand new shoot. A promise of blackberries for August.


“I think joy sleeps in strange places. We’re always looking for her in shiny, happy fun times. Assuming that joy prefers her twin brother, pleasure, when she often hangs out with her somewhat stoic big sister, strength. Joy is not always easy to recognise, dirt- smudged and sweating , brambles in her hair…”
Edmond Manning
The ditch is full and flooding over the road.

Those who promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20

4 thoughts on “A ring of brambles round an oak

  1. Brilliant Edmond Manning quote.
    There is beauty in each stage of development – both of plants and people …

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