Book of Eucalypt

To my younger self…

Discovering Herne the Hunter will be one of your life’s greatest moments, and it will take you on a journey that no one would have prepared you for.

That cheeky man with the green tinted skin who chased you through the forests as you slumbered, and the echoes of crunching leaf matter as you walk through the You Yangs.

That glimmer from the corner of your eye as you made your first altar from a cardboard box and an old pillowcase in that oversized spare room with the “driftwood bed frame” that was termite infested, but hey, you tried…

The falling autumn leaf as you sat down at the Barwon River near Queens Park and just…connected. Observed. Cyclists dinging their bells as they glided by, and dogs excitedly off leash and there you sat, knowing someone was there with you.

While you observed the world around you, he observed you.

He watched on as you lit your candles and fumbled with casting your first circle.

He watched with great interest as you began the path, your self confidence growing with each step.

He watched from a comfortable distance while you got your toes wet and the wild white horses chased you along the shore of Anglesea Beach, and smiled as the eastern wind blew salted kisses against your cheek. (He wouldn’t step onto the beach – he doesn’t like the large bodies of water).

He held your hand as you cried yourself to sleep those nights of “the dark days”, unsure of why your differences mattered, and terrified of your own mind.

He whispered to your Oma as she tucked you into bed at night, things will get better for them, but not before shooing the possum back out of the cat flap.

He will laugh hysterically in conversations on train commutes, and workday walkies, and guide your sight to things he finds so incredibly interesting that you need to see.

He will lead you through his forest, and you will witness and experience his journey.

He will guide your aim; he will teach you to shapeshift.

He will cut the rope when the lesson is over.

He will frustrate you and challenge you.

He will demand chocolate, and tobacco, and will completely understand when you can no longer offer him alcohol because you just can’t be near it anymore.

You will argue, and he will win. You will argue, and he will tell you to be better.

He will hold you in his arms as you break down as the world around you appears to crumble; and will help you lay the foundation as you rebuild the life you are supposed to have.

He will guide you to the answers of life – whether it be university exams, friendship groups, or relocating. He will guide you down a path “just for the experience it will give you”.

You will hear “I told you so” more than once.

And you will honour him and love him with every inch of your being. You will devote your spiritual path to him without realise that’s what’s happening; and not be surprised that it makes perfect sense to you.

His image will grace your body, will grace your walls, will grace your beloved Drum. You will create jewellery for him, and artwork, and scents and oils; you will write poetry and short stories for him.

You will change your name in honour of him.

You will write a book – a devotional – to him.

You will fall in love with him over and over, again and again. You will never stop learning about him, and he will never stop surprising you.

He will become the one you greet with the morning sun; and upon his horse you will ride when it is time.

Dear younger self, what a journey Herne will take you on.

Through his Forests to forests of your own, to teachers and friends and hidden gems.

And when he says you’re not ready to learn something, trust his judgement because you will not be ready for quite some time.