Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus>)

Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus). Swindon, 30 July 2019.

Is there anything more depressing than being at home at this time of year?

Obviously yes, but I can't help giving way to a feeling of dreary flatness. No mountains here, just the chaos of lowland vegetation in its messy phase. We long to be born again, to piss away some fossil fuels, or maybe to riot, like that vegetation, through some resented citadel.

[I'm reading the Gordon Riots part of Barnaby Rudge now... they took place in hot weather from 2-9 June 1780.  The 1981 riots: Brixton (London) 10-11 April; Toxteth (Liverpool) 4-6 July, 27-28 July; Moss Side (Manchester) 8-11 July; Handsworth (Birmingham) 10-12 July; Chapeltown (Leeds) July.  The 2011 London riots: 6-11 August.]

Now when all vegetable nature is pregnant and ripening, now is the time -- it's too late for plans -- now is the time to take to our heels and to fly.  But who are we running from, and where will we end up?

There has to be a better way to move through August. Our children know it, at least until we infect them with our fuelled restlessness.

Autumn Hawkbit in front, Sticky Groundsel behind. Swindon, 31 July 2019.

Reversible Head with Basket of Fruit, painting from c. 1590 by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Archimboldo



She's apples





(Laurie Duggan, from Afterimages (Polar Bear Press, Tamarama 2018))

Saplings of European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Swindon, 31 July 2019.

Saplings of European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Swindon, 31 July 2019.

Saplings of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Frome, 27 July 2019.

Saplings of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Frome, 27 July 2019.