Visitors who walk through the woodland at Ian Hamilton Finlay’s old home, Little Sparta, in Scotland, happen upon a mossy tombstone placed at an angle between the ferns. Like many of Little Sparta’s artworks – paths, blocks, even beehives – it bears an inscription.
Our first thought is that this is not art, but a grave and we idly wonder who lies beneath. Bending to read the word ‘Fragile’, our expectations are turned on their heads as we realise this inscription celebrates us all. It could be dedicated to any one of us; to any event or disaster; to all of us including the eco-system we are part of; to our verdant, rocky earth.
Fragile.
We don’t like to think about it, let alone do anything about it.
I’m sharing this for Earth Day. To find out more about the organisation’s message and current campaigns, visit their website: www.earthday.org
Susan Rushton 
Well said.
The woodland placement makes it seem very understated, but it resonates all the more for that.
Great post for Earth Day
I’m glad you liked it.
One word speaks volumes.
Doesn’t it just?
Lovely post; absolutely spot on for the day.
Thanks, Su.
I wonder if there is anyone buried there…..?
I don’t think so, though I could be wrong.
I don’t think so either there would be date of death and the person’s name or if the person was unknown
What an impact. Thank you.
It was a bit of a shock to read the inscription – strange how just one word in the right place can convey such a big idea.
I agree about the shock. For me it took a moment or two for the whole image and meaning to sink in, and then it was like a thud. Really a brilliant piece of visual art.
Thank you. As others have said, a perfect post for Earth Day.
I don’t know how often you get up to Scotland, and it is a bit out of the way, but this garden is well worth seeing.
Excellent choice
Thanks, Derrick.