After my Death & Birds piece, I had the idea for another, similar one. Who hasn’t imagined tucking a secret note into a hidden tree hollow?

Again, I used porcelain to contrast the black clay I used for the bark, and rolled out a small chunk very thinly, stamped a row of holes along the side for perforation, and folded it over so it looks like a ripped-out notebook page.

What was the message though?

At first, I considered a heart with ‘Yes,’ its meaning sweet but hollow, as I’ve never truly been in love. Why immortalise a memory I do not have by firing it into permanence?

Then it came to me:

Sorry!

A brief note, old and forgotten, the paper brittle and discoloured by time, there it lies, in the little hollow – will it ever be found?

I am holding on to many quiet regrets. No major sins I did onto others, just moments of unkindness, pettiness, thoughtlessness, haunting me during the small hours.

And then there is the sorrow of unfulfilled potential, wasted moments, actions not taken, connections not maintained.

This little note is a timid gesture, reaching back through time to my younger Self.

It’s alright.

I forgive you.