In a Small Corner of the Yard and Mind

[michaelboy]

Up near the apple tree, where my dad hung a rope swing, was the sandbox he made for us. It was rather simple and rough - just four 2 x 10’s nailed together and then filled with brown building sand from the local lumber company. While we didn’t have many toys, I remember a metal Tonka road grader that my mom purchased second-hand at the swap-shop in town. It was one of my favorites and while I can never bring it back, I miss it and still would love to "grade" a road or two.

Near the sandbox was the standing trunk of a rotting tree. One day I decided it would be fun to throw a few firecrackers in a small round hole in the side of the tree...but with that I unknowingly killed an entire nest of altricial woodpeckers. As well, I know I can’t bring them back either.

There are many things we must settle solely in the silence of our hearts.

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