The trees in his yard looked like something straight out of a fairy tale. Gnarled branches that were bent and twisted in odd and different shapes. Bushes that he had sculpted into triangles and squares and round concoctions. I always walked to school and went past his house every morning. Sometimes on grey and foggy mornings I imagined I was in the forest. And my heart beat faster at what imaginary thing I might met in his yard. I slipped in and out of the trees and bushes with ease, always aware I could get caught and get scolded. But I had to do it anyhow..

I was fascinated with his yard because of the uniqueness of it . There was a nest of rabbits in the hollow stump of an old oak tree by his shed. It was covered with moss and I could see the Momma bunny running back and forth in the yard looking for food. Then one day I saw the baby bunnies come out. They hopped across the lawn with new feet and wondering eyes.

I was enchanted. I never got close to them because I didn't want to scare them. But everyday I would catch small glimpses of them on the lawn trying to find their way in the world.



The old man's house was clad in brown shingles. And sometimes I saw him peak out from behind the threadbare curtain that hung listlessly at his window.

I had heard his wife had passed many years before and after that he had become a recluse. I often wondered if he had children..If he had friends..
But I never found out. We moved after my 4Th grade year and I never walked that way again. But I did drive by there the other day.

His beautiful bushes were gone.. The trees cut down. But the stump was still there. And I think I saw a Momma rabbit hopping across the lawn.

~Nita~