Pine Trees and Painted Swings

There are certain constants in life that sneak into your subconscious and stay imprinted.

In school there was this pine tree on the slopes of a hill that faced our main field...Top Field it is called. At the foot of this tree the structure of its roots formed this perfectly formed, natural seat. It provided the most snug fit possible for my rear...like as if it was made just for me. This used to be my go-to place for whatever reason. Whether I was lonely, upset or just felt the need to get away I went there, wrapped myself in the scent of the pine trees all around me and looked at the Kanchenjunga Range stretch out before me. In those moments, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.

In these last five years, on the bus journey between college and the city when you cross the Trimulgherry Police Station and are on the ascent to crossover the railway tracks there is this cluster of cream-coloured buildings below on the left. In front of one of these buildings is a makeshift-swing in the form of a cane chair hung from a small tree. The swing is painted red. Every time I make the journey, my eyes inevitably drift towards the swing and it gives me a great sense of fulfilment for some odd reason.

I wonder if these small landmarks will remain if I ever make these journeys in the future?