I BELONG TO A WORLD THAT BLOSSOMS AND FLOWERS

A world that cocoons me and holds me like a mother holds a child

A place where I can be free to fill my mind with wonder and history and art and love

Where my friends and neighbours are not in fear of losing all they have worked so hard for, for all they have nurtured, their children, their loved ones

A place where paintings and poetry are spoken of instead of politics and long range missiles

Where intelligence is not artificial but built on reading books and having an open mind

A place where we cherish those who have come before us, where we listen to their stories, give up our seat on the train or bus for them and allow them to grow old in the company of family and friends

A place where there are gardens in every yard, rooftop and street corner that are tended to lovingly

As I take a photograph of the first blossoms of a season that is so tantalisingly close, I make a wish that we all may live in such a world.

Porcelain, 925 silver, 2024

Image credit: Jo Armstrong