Forty Forevers by Bea Nettles

This accordion book contains 40 photographs of initials carved into hearts on the trunks of trees. The initials gradually fade and become illegible towards the book’s end. From the introduction:"Over the years I’ve recorded hearts carved on trees. They raise many questions. Are pocket knives still common? Were these marks made secretly or as an open and serious declaration? My grandparents used forty forevers to express their concept of a truly long stretch of time. Did the couples remain together forever? As can be observed in some cases, nature has the ability to erase even the most ardent emotions."