I have no idea if this is a plant, a weed or - whatever. Ever since I was a kid, I have known them as "fairies". Adults would tell me that if you blew gently all the little fairies on the plant would be freed and find a nice home in a quiet field.Aaaaw.
Come to think of it, they were the same people who told me about a fat guy climbing down chimneys, good looking sheilas who left sixpence under my pillow when I lost a tooth, a Sandman who would help me sleep by throwing sand in my eyes, a bloody big rabbit leaving Easter eggs, and of course - the Bogeyman. I had more imaginary people visiting me when I was a kid than real ones do now - and most of them were more believable.
These days visitors don't bring anything or throw anything at me. They tell me fairy stories. Not the sort that always began, "Once upon a time". These are updated and begin, "If I was to tell you that I could save you 20%....."
At election time they come in droves. Not in gossamer gowns or multi coloured outfits, but black suits, white shirts and yellow ties. "Hello, I'm your local candidate and I care about this community." The fact they have only just bloody moved to the area after the previous incumbent was forced to resign, is not considered a relevant detail.
The storyline is usually the same. Whatever is wrong, they will put right because it's not what our fathers and forefathers fought for. If it's really bad, you can guarantee the magic word, "Un-Australian" will be used somewhere along the line. "Family values" and references to what we want for our children and our children's children, is also part of the fairy story.
Yesterday when I went for my walk, I came across this "fairy plant" and decided to try my hand at micro-photography. I wanted to see the "fairies" close up and in fine detail.
My God, the adults were right - they are fairies!
Sometimes it is nice to believe without question. Something that last happened a long time ago, in a land far away. A land and time that was filled with fairies and cheerful men in red suits.
Wherever you may be - be safe.
