The Green Maiden

Inspired from the photos sent to the PInners Writers Group.

The Green Maiden

Walking through the countrypark with my rucksack and hiking boots, I follow the path through the woods.

As I trudge through the woodland path, I smell all the wondrous woodland smells. It so earthy, vitalising and alive. There are wild flowers coming into bloom and green shoots pushing through the soil. Lush green leaves appearing on tree branches and spring blossoms appear to welcome spring.

As I walk along, my mind wonders to the local myth of The Green Maiden. She apparently haunts these woods and is the caretaker of this sacred place. I wonder if she really exists?

There is a small green bronze sculpture dedicated to her. I quicken my pace. I really would like to see the sculpture up close again. I soon discover her in the midst of a grove of trees and I feel a feminine kinship with her. She must exist. I feel her strong presence among the flora and fauna. She is the guardian of the this amazing place.

Her sculpture is covered in lifelike green leaves and she stands in a graceful pose. Arms outstreched, as if in a graceful ballad dance. She a nymph of this forest.

Oh, I would love to see a real glimpse her if she existed.Even just for a moment or a second. It would be a memory imprinted on my mind.

I feel guided to walk to the pond near by. I really need a drink. I bring out my cannister of water from my rugsack and take a few sips of water.

I admire the view before me. The sunlight is rippling over the moving waters and beautiful water lillies are beginning to open their petals. I catch a glimpse of a heron, seated on a branch. He is not fishing today thats for sure. He looks straight at me and then beyond me.

I look over my shoulder to where the heron is looking and then I feel a breeze on my face. I hear what seems like a whisper and then I hear the word “Hello”. I look up the woodland path and I am sure noone else is there. I am all alone.

I leave my spot and walk back up the path and stop by a small brook. I look up at the woodland canopy. They say that if you stand under the trees, the trees release aromatherapy oils that helps with anxiety. I look up and breathe in the oil vapours.

I look down and there she is...the Green Maiden. I am totally transfixed. She is beautiful, dressed in a green gown and her hair tied up in a bun. She says “Hello” and then she is gone. She vanishes before my eyes.

Could I have been dreaming? I take a deep breath and rub my eyes. Something magical has just happened, I am sure of it. She really does exist. She is not a myth or an illusion. But does not eveything starts off as a dream and then become a reality?

I decide I will come back tomorrow to hike and I will look for The Green Maiden again. I want to see her again. I go home with anticipation and excitement. I do hope she finds me again tomorrow. I can’t wait! Subrata. x