Once a tree
grew ears (of wood)
and twisted knots for eyes
and two branch arms
with a leaf hairdo
and finger-sprouting twigs
put boots on roots
marched into town
to sell a crop of apples
‘Apples! Come and get them
Juicy, round and red’
it fed the town
then marched back home
to its apple orchard bed
Somebody once said there are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them. Actually, many people have said things about dancing, and now Baker and Smith are happily dreaming up their own spin on movement in a little tale about the poetry of the feet. Matt Davidson has visualised some rough imagery for our story of love, loneliness, joy and a cat and dog.
Below is a writing exercise that grew out of the 100 ideas exercise we did together. The tale plays on different applications of the word ‘time’, and there is a surprising hero to boot.
One time,
I went to a park.
Next time,
I took my ball.
This time,
People came to play.
And over time,
a crowd gathered.
’Game time!’
Two teams squared off.
‘Game on!’
A whistle blew.
Scissor kicks.
Short flicks.
Sporty tricks.
No goal.
Muddy park.
Scuff marks.
It’s nearly dark –
but still no goal
‘Time is running out. We need a goal, quick!’
A splash,
a flap,
thump and a quack, then …
My team’s golden boot struck luck
‘Goooaal’.
The whistle blew once more.
‘Full time!’
‘Time’s up!’
‘Home time!’
‘It’s bath time!
’
‘Same time, next time?’
‘YES’, everyone agreed.
And I will bring my ball again,
and two golden boots for duck.
bakersmith 