The tree in the picture, sits in the middle of the space designated for my dog’s daily discards (along with the bags to pick up those pesky dropping). While there, I often muse on what lives in this hole at the bottom of the tree–my imagination dreams of copious numbers of creatures.

Sometimes, I’m forced to visit the tree in the middle of the night, by repetitive whining and barking from Dodger (my dog). While I’m there, my thoughts run rampant as the lateness of the hour brings forth my imagination of evil beings that dwell in this darkness.

Snakes with evil faces, little trolls, malicious dolls, goblins, ghouls and now I have the “upside down” to feed my uneasiness.

My favorite being is an ancient, grouchy gnome, who doesn’t care for other animals, beasts or humans, and never desires a visitor. There’s not a heart of gold beating in his minute chest, but he wouldn’t intentionally harm anyone or scare them for his own amusement. He mainly wants to watch his TV shows (the bachelor is his favorite), eat tuberous roots and generally left undisturbed.

If I squint my eyes tenaciously, I can detect a wee door deep inside the crevasse. There’s a go away mat near the entrance, and an obscure mailbox that reads, “Trumwold,”

In truth, my dog would bark insanely at the slightest hint of movement, so I’m assuming I’m safe, for now.