Chapter Six

But he never reached the stars, soon enough of course he fell,

Landing on something thorny with a very gorgeous smell.

“Oh good grief!” shrieked the roses, “You gave us an awful fright,

We didn’t mean to hurt you, so sorry, are you all right?”

“Fine, thank you,” the creature said as he got up to his feet,

For how could he not be fine when these roses smelled so sweet?

As he stood he gazed around at a horizon full of trees,

And such beautiful flower folk swaying in the midnight breeze.

None of them looked much like him, but did that matter anymore?

Drunk on the delicious scent, oh what fortune he felt, what awe!

Perhaps for his quest he now no longer had to care,

For with all the friends he’d met, he felt kinship everywhere!

Was it that he didn’t care to find his true kin anymore?

Or was it that the sweet scent had filled him with fresh hope once more?

We may never really know, for whilst dazed by his delight,

Suddenly something woke him, a mighty voice that pierced the night.

From the flower garden’s edge, sounds and words began to flow:

“Excuse me there,” said an oak, “can you hear me there? Hello?

I’ve been eyeing up that cap, that acorn on your head,

You’re not one of my acorns, so who are you?” he said.

“I’d like very much to know,” the creature humbly replied,

“I’ve been looking for answers, I’ve journeyed so far and wide.

I’ve spent so much time searching, I’ve barely had a rest,

I’ve met so many kind folk who’ve helped me on my quest.

Mushroom and animal folk – human, fox, mouse, and deer,

I almost met the star folk, and now find myself here,

Surrounded by the plant folk, a pleasure to meet you all,

Yet none have looked much like me, not one being great or small.

None too have had an answer but I don’t mind anymore,

For I’ve so enjoyed this quest and feel wiser than before.

How fortunate I have been to meet kind souls from the start,

And I’ve come to understand, we’re all similar at heart.”

“How wonderful,” said the oak, “I have been waiting for you,

I heard from the wood wide web*, it’s how the message got through.

Your journey’s been a success as far as I can tell,

You’ve learnt some valued lessons, the cap has served you well.

It pleases me greatly to hear you’ve made new friends,

There’s just one last hurdle before your journey ends.

Across the lake music plays, you’ll recognise it I’m sure,

Take the boat, follow the sound, till you reach the other shore.

One last thing before you go, I ask you return your hat,

And then I bid you farewell, it’s been so lovely to chat.”

Very confused yet grateful, the creature bowed his head,

He placed down the acorn cap, “thank you and farewell,” he said.

The creature rubbed his tired eyes; he was so in need of rest,

But one last stretch of adventure awaited on his quest.

* The wood wide web, also known as a mycelial network, is a communication system that has existed for much longer than the world wide web. It is a huge underground network of fungi, bacteria, and roots that connects trees and plants to each other, enabling them to share information and resources with each other.