Passing through the tunnel of leaves, she comes into the clearing made by the colossal stone structure in the heart of the forest. Up giant stone steps. Across its stone foundations, raised into the canopy. Great domes occupy the highest point of the necropolis and inside them, the first tombs are found. Moss and lichen grow on the gnarled stone while ivy creeps up the walls. The birds chatter and the sun is warm.
‘What are you looking for?’ asks an old lady.
She sighs. Hard to say out loud. ‘Myself.’ Her eyes scan across the aquamarine rusted legends above each tomb.
The old woman bobs her head. ‘As many do.’
‘You aren’t going to tell me it’s a bad idea?’
‘No. There is no use.’ The old woman beckons the younger. ‘Come. You may find yourself sooner than you think.’
Paddy Dobson
21st July 2021