HORNBEAM
​
She nurtures and holds stories,
close-grained as light,
words carved in burr and scar,
in each furrowed, glittering leaf
touched by passing hands, roosting owls,
weary bones resting on her braided flank,
autumn children scattering leaves,
that spiral like golden finches.
We sprawl at her knee, sensing,
the underground web of connection,
every touch sparking in the tangled darkness,
every footfall ready to join the dance.
​
Poetry copyright © Frances Ainslie 2021
Audio - Directions to 4th Film 'Hornbeam'
Audio - Directions to 5th Film 'Laurel'
The Airthrey Dance Trail has been created through the Scene Stirling Open Grants - funded by Creative Scotland,
Stirling Council and with support from cultural organisations across Stirling.
​
This project was part funded by the generosity of Grace's aerial students who donated their cancelled classes during lockdown.
Created with support from the University of Stirling Art Collection. Thanks to Michael Rea (filming and editing), Frances Ainslie (poetry), Hannah Uttley (narration of poetry), Arken Creative (map design), Ellen Turner (creative mentor), Nathan Critchlow (writing support).
Film © Grace Turner 2021. Poetry © Frances Ainslie 2021