Spring crocus
Brave flowers—that I could gallant it like you,
And be as little vain!
You come abroad, and make a harmless show,
And to your beds of earth again.
You are not proud: you know your birth:
For your embroider’d garments are from earth
You do obey your months and times, but I
Would have it ever Spring:
My fate would know no Winter, never die,
Nor think of such a thing.
O that I could my bed of earth but view
And smile, and look as cheerfully as you!
O teach me to see Death and not to fear,
But rather to take truce!
How often have I seen you at a bier,
And there look fresh and spruce!
You fragrant flowers! then teach me, that my breath
Like yours may sweeten and perfume my death.
Autumn crocus
King’s “A contemplation upon flowers” is very relevant now when inertia and wintry recession vibrates an urgency for the growing season. Yet Spring is also forever behind us - long gone, lost from view in the dizzying revolutions from generation to degeneration to regeneration. Not to count the cost, nor fear, nor hold the unspoken belief that it is wrong – to ‘take a truce’ with Death is to go with the flow and rightly so. This is our existential challenge which we contemplate, consciously or not and surely the joy of flowers is also in observing the quiet ease of their comings and goings.
This, my chosen poem for December’s Garden Bloggers Muse Day is later than usual, deliberately so as I’ve been waiting for the right moment. I knew it had arrived when the postman handed me the package I’d been looking out for…
“The Moment I Knew” is a reflective collection of women’s writing on life’s defining moments. Donna @ Gardens Eye View had contributed a couple of her heartfelt bereavement poems and generously sent out two copies in her Giveaway book contest. I was one of the lucky recipients!
It was grief which moved the muse in Donna over forty years ago and more recently has set her writing again so now on the first Monday of each month she posts more of her poetry, with her own soulful images in Gardens Eye Verse
So with many thanks I send you this virtual card Donna and look forward to reading the book over the holidays.
You received a wonderful gift and gave one as well. Garden blogging has such great people.
Donna read my post..A Little Christmas Tree That One Day Will
and you are definitely one of them Donna and a most staunch supportive commenter too. Thank you
Laura I was so excited to see you received the book and am so humbled with your incredible thank you…the poem you chose is wonderful and really spoke to me…I am glad you enjoy the monthly muse and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book…Have a very Merry Christmas…
my pleasure Donna. Have always enjoyed your gardens eye view and thankful for the book to while away some hours by the fireside – or rather radiators!
an open fire is more poetic, the leaping flames painting pictures and telling stories.
Elephant’s Eye read my post..Foreign flowers in December for once were Blotanists
A beautiful and thought provoking poem so I couldn’t help thinking that spring bulbs would be a better metaphor for the life of someone who believes in reincarnation. Annuals would better symbolize our brief but colorful flare on earth. Now you will have Donna’s book and my calendar there in London–how exciting.
Carolyn @ Carolyns Shade Gardens read my post..Carolyn’s Shade Gardens 2012 Calendar
Beautiful verse and a wonderful sentiment. I agree, Donna inspires us to live our best lives. Happy Holidays, Laura.
PlantPostings read my post..What is a blogger?
Dear Laura I am not on board with the poetry thing but you have trufflled out an unusual one. I hope you have not REALLY lost the plot?
catharinehoward read my post..This tree is so dead it is alive
- alas I live with urbane central heating Diana
- interesting idea Carolyn. annuals appealed when I was young and easy, now I look to trees… and forward to your calendar
- thanks for the holiday wishes Beth and glad you found inspiration in the verse and with Donna’s GEV
- you have a poetical way with verbs and adjectives Catharine. Well I’ve lost the plot i.e. no garden to garden anymore but remain this side of sanity
A lovely post and poem. I spotted the first of my bulbs pushing through the soil yesterday. The thought that Spring won’t be far off warms the heart.
wellywoman read my post..My Dream Garden
Laura,
Thank you so much for mentioning Donna’s poems from our book, The Moment I Knew. Donna’s poems really touched me and reminded me of the loss of my father. Here words are healing. I’m glad you enjoyed them and the book.
FYI… a holiday bonus: Book one in our “Reflections from Women” series (When One Door Closes) is now on Kindle for only 99 cents for the holidays. If you like book two, you’ll love book one. Thanks again!
- do not hasten my aging WW – one season at a time please!
- happy for the book mention Terri as Donna is both talented and kind
Those crocus flowers are mine in a little while. Wonderful poem. If only I had the faith which doubtless accompanied it but the lines are beautiful nevertheless.
welshhillsagain read my post..Food for Christmas
I wish you a happy Christmas, and may the New Year bring you a wider garden opportunity, and us more of your writing to delve thru. Food for thought in each post.
Elephant’s Eye read my post..The Twelve Days of Christmas
Such a lovely verse and beautifully presented images – as always! You have such an eye for beauty.
Catherine read my post..God Bless Us, Every One
- faith is combined with hope in that Spring flowers will come again Elizabeth!
- thank you Diana for your good wishes and endless encouragement
- my camera has given my eye the opportunity, Catherine now that digital sorts all the techie side out for me