The Husk

By Philip Evans

SECOND PLACE in January Competition

I am a husk, hollowed out by neglect and relentless attacks on my very being over recent years.  My life is ebbing away even though, at 78 years of age, I might have expected to live considerably longer and to remain healthy until I am carried away by the sudden onset of a disease of the old.  Over most of my life, I have produced and raised several children, providing them with shelter and sustenance, working to protect them from harm and to ensure that they remain healthy and fulfilled in life, as I did in my younger days.  I have also provided support for many others in this interconnected world, doing what I can to help them give their offspring a good start in life and a secure future.   I have worked tirelessly for the benefit of the whole community and have been rewarded not only by seeing its various members thrive, but also by their gratitude for my efforts, often in the form of benefits in kind.

 Yet, my own children treated me with indifference in their youth, neglected me as they became established and have shown outright resentment and hostility as I have aged. They have undermined me at every turn, persuaded others to sever their mutually beneficial links with me and conspired to deprive me of the resources I have accumulated, no doubt for their own benefit.  It has been hurtful, exhausting and debilitating, to the extent that my health has suffered badly.  

 I’m happy that, despite my age, I can still give pleasure to others, particularly the young, by providing opportunities for fun and games.  But my own duplicitous family will soon learn the mistake they have made.  When I die, as I soon will, they will inherit nothing above others from me.  My entire estate will be left to the community with whom I have had such a mutually beneficial relationship.  My descendants will be left to fend for themselves.

Judge’s Comments: There were several pieces from the point of view of the tree itself in the mix, and of these,  ‘The Husk’ really stood out. I found it most thought-provoking, as the musings of the tree, looking back over its life, mirrored so much in our own lives -especially the sadness of having ungrateful children. The piece became a meeting point for nature and human.  It made me think –  we aren’t that different, in many respects. It can be read as either tree or human. I loved the steady voice, which fitted the subject well, and the underlying note of bitterness, all going towards the creation of a solid and memorable character – culminating in the final sharp message to the tree’s progeny. I was surprised at how emotional I found the piece – especially the way the old tree feels let down by its own children, despite enjoying the ‘benefits in kind’  and sense of belonging that come from its place in the wider community. I appreciated how the writer left me to interpret what these benefits were, and how to interpret ‘community’ here – so many different ways.  I appreciated too how the writer didn’t explain – allowing me to experience the world through the ‘eyes’ of the tree successfully.  Beautifully written and thought-provoking – congratulations.