Q.
Describe a place as you explore it for the first time
Legends speak of illustrious treasure hidden in the heart of Trendily Forest. As an enthusiast of buried
treasure, I had travelled alone to the forest, seeking fame and glory, only to be left with a lesson on
nature’s beauty.
Entering the forest, the only welcoming signs, I would be met with were tall towering spruce trees
welcoming me to their home, As I ambled down the dusty, decrepit, pathway, once built for tourists, I
could not help but notice the intricate designs of flowers spread throughout the forest: this detailed
petal patterns were a sight to behold. Captivated by their serenity, I glanced at a buzzy bee gracefully
flying over to one of the roses-it’s translucent wings indicating mother nature’s elusive secrets, walking
further in, the forest’s tone began to shift: the almost deafening silence transitioning into the cheerful
chirping of sparrows, building their cozy nests amongst the tree’s branches.
Ultimately I arrived at the digging sight, it’s dull and dilapidated surroundings being a reminder of its
abandonment in the early 19 th century. Although I was excited to start digging, the rustling of leaves in
the distance caught my attention. Carefully, making my way to the bush, I was perplexed by what I saw:
two almond colored squirrels exchanging greetings with one another, Seeing me the duo swiftly ran into
an ominous looking hole in a birch tree. The forest apparently liked playing pranks on me as my digging
would be continuously interrupted by a variety of creatures ranging from harmless deers to potentially
dangerous pythons! Ultimately I took a break to explore the forest’s secrets. Heading North, all could be
seen were thick trunks of acacia trees, their dense canopy shielding a herd of deers: their discovery
being a delicate reminder of nature’s grace and elegance.
Ultimately, evening drew closer as the sky shifted from a plain blue to golden hues of purple and lilac. As
the sun settled down for slumber, so did the forest’s wide variety of wildlife. I gave up my expedition:
perhaps I was not worthy of the forest’s treasure trove. Or perhaps the real treasure was the
unforgettable memories that would be born. Nonetheless my remaining time was spent admiring the
crows, gracefully flying in flocks to their faraway homes. As they did so the mother deers delicately
picked up their babies to return to their dwellings. I watched in awe as the trees bobbed left and right
due to the freezing winds blowing past. Ultimately as it approached night time, stars shimmered brightly
shining a weak yet omnipotent light onto the world: the constellations they crafted would have been
mesmerizing for anyone awake. Surprisingly night time was not quite as it was filled with the hooting of
owls and snoring of the deer. Not wanting to disrupt the peace, I grabbed my gear and made my way
home. However, before I could leave I felt as strange sensation over every inch of my body, perhaps a
parting gift by the forest for visiting it.
Ever since that fateful day, I have visited why forest annually to check upon it’s lively wildlife and sniff
the scents of the vibrantly colored flowers that I encountered. Truly nature is a sight to behold.
Written by : Uzair Waseem
