In the Peach Garden

An excerpt from Once We Knew How to Dream

Somewhere deep in the mountains, where the air is so fresh and so delicious that you would eat it with a spoon if you could, there is a small village. It is hidden from strangers and guarded from afar by the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains.

The water is fresh and pure here, life is simple, and people don't dream of going to the big city. They believe that they already have everything. Neighbours know each other, and it can be hard sometimes. But people here have grown used to it over many generations.

The men here have hands with cracked skin because they are not afraid of the soil, because she is a giver, like a true woman in a peasant skirt. The women are dressed modestly; they all smell of bread and wisdom, and they all look far towards the mountains.

There is a garden here where the fruit trees live like a family. The old and the young all share the blossom of spring together.

They celebrate the richness and abundance of summer, only allowing themselves to inspire everyone in autumn.

When autumn is leaving, they become very quiet, vulnerable, and naked, waiting in anticipation for the arrival of winter, which always comes with a blanket of snow.

The mountains gift everyone a very special wisdom.

Life returns here with the first signs of spring.

The trees are blooming; everyone feels so awake. Women are blushing, and the sun can now touch their faces anytime it desires.

When peach season is approaching, I wear my floral dress. My hair is covered with a beautiful shawl. I carry a basket in my hands, and I sing quietly.

Slowly, I pick the peaches, trying not to damage their fragile skin.

You are drinking your tea. You like it strong.

I am looking at you.

I am on my way to you...

Sometimes you would call only to make me smile:

"Do you remember how we dreamed that I would go to the mountains with you?

To this place where you were born?

Where peaches are juicy, and cherries are sweet...

But you only promised to take me there if I gave life to seven of your children."

And we both laughed.

I never went to this little village hidden far away in the mountains.

Yet every time I eat fresh, aromatic peaches, I like to imagine that I've been there.

That I am on my way to you...