森が薄い緑に染め変わる、薪ストーブのシーズンが終わった頃の恒例行事が、年に一度の煙突掃除だ。チム・チム・チェリーを軽快に口ずさみ、手をまっ黒にさせながら、専用のブラシを使ってススを落とす。ただ本当のことを言えば、そんなことを自分でやっている森の住民はほぼほぼ見たことがない。けれど同時に心の底では、誰もが憧れを抱いている。それはさしずめ心の余裕の象徴のようなもの。彼らの屋根の上にすくりと立つようすをじっと眺めては、いつかは…と心に誓う。

When nature paints the forest light green, marking the end of the wood-burning stove season, it’s time for the annual chimney sweeping. You lightheartedly hum to the tunes of Chim Chim Cher-ee as you sweep the chimney using a special brush. Your hands are completely black with soot. To be honest, though, I’ve never seen any residents in the forest do this themselves. Still, everyone desires to take on a task like this deep down. It’s like a symbol of emotional well-being to be able to take on such a task. As you see the worker standing confidently on their roof, you promise yourself that you will stand there…one day.