Well, maybe not art in the sense of a mural, statue, or even graffiti. But there is so much stray stuff–stones, branches, bits of garbage–scattered around the trails and lakeshore, and sometimes people mess about with it, then leave it for other people to find.
“Sticks”
X marks the spot–such a simple thing. For all I know, this might’ve even been an accident. But whenever I see crossed sticks of any type, I think of the short story by Karl Edward Wagner. You know, “Sticks,” the one that brings to mind aspects of The Blair Witch Project.
“Giddy-up!”
A plastic bottle, a cap, and some weathered branches, and it’s Clint Driftwood.
(“The Ecstasy of Gold” from “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly plays in the background)
So many possible stories….
One day you have an altar…
Happy face
…and the next day, the altar is no more. Only a smiling face atop a tiny gateway.
Tiny critters that walk beneath are never seen again.
Then there are those times when Mother Nature gets into the act and puts human efforts to shame. The most striking examples are usually driftwood: sticks, branches, or occasionally large sections of trunk. I don’t know what caused the curlicue designs on this log–possibly a disease or infestation of some sort? They remind me of ancient writing or drawings.
This log’s gnarled surface reminded me of a roiling sky painted by van Gogh.
All this, in just the last few weeks.
I love my morning walks. I never know what I’ll find.