Bridge in Nature
Inspiration from Frank Bridge’s Suite for Strings
At the ring of the first note, an image of green begins to take shape. A clear, streamy river runs in small, playful waves. Such beauty reflects beauty. The beauty of a million leaves and leaflets twinkling from the morning dew. This remarkable greenery is all part of the sweeping willows that arch overhead on either side of the bank. The trunks, with their hard, scaly bark, extend their roots within the deep, rich soil. All the way to the inner core. And the soil! The soil touches the waters, combining its gritty grains with the fallen droplets from the fringes above. The fringes, the meters of leaf, twisted gracefully, are reflected on the river—now entertaining colors and designs. Millions of designs. Millions of meters glancing at the cloudy sky, waiting for any hint of sun, shifting here and there with the sweet drafts.
As small sun rays peek through, a mild wind dances along. Along the river, creating ripples. Along the trees above, and the mosses and shrubs at the trees’ feet. Every leaf and meter twist and bend with stride and pride as they are putting on a performance. Yes, a performance—for us—to see and share their joy in the afternoon. Yes, for us to see their rich, green mosaics.
As the winds quiet their dance, an evening chill causes a shiver among the greens and gentle river. Every tree and shrub—taking life in—begin their day out. After a mild day, a satisfying black fills the white-blue sky. Soon, tiny distant stars twinkle on the endless map. The map that contains the luna of Earth. At the strike of distinct chirps, the night animals wake to enjoy the plants’ companies. Even some deer stay awake a little longer, kicking their pointed hooves against the moist grass, shaking their fur with the rhythm of the cool night breezes. And they shake and shake that coffee-brown fur peppered with small white dots—almost like snowflakes. And they look at the bright fireflies, wondering whether the stars descended from the heavens above to the earth below—just to say a sweet hello.
