Inspired.
And I will tell you
They nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask
What reason is there for winter
And I will tell you
To bring about new leaves.
You shall ask
Why are the leaves so green
And I will tell you
Because they are rich with life.
You shall ask
And I will tell you
So that the leaves can die.
- Nancy Wood
A photo taken yesterday morning..All my sunny bikini photos of late are a bit of smoke and mirrors – in reality we’ve had nothing but rain for weeks and weeks… So yesterday when I woke to the bluest of skies it was a real treat, the green leaves just shone and waved merrily and I had to pull the camera out… Initially, when I uploaded the images today, I was a bit annoyed to see that dying leaf there..I wanted it all to be perfectly green and matching. Before too long I remembered something I’d read only yesterday afternoon in the heartbreaking book by William Verity, Bear Is Now Asleep. He tells the story of life after losing his three year old daughter, India, in an accident.
The opening page reads..
On that stormy night
a top branch broke off
on the biggest tree in my garden.
It’s still up there. Though its leaves
are withered black among the green
the living branches
won’t let it fall.
Norman McCaig
It was the strangest thing, to realise my photo unexpectedly reflected these very words and to see such beauty in that yellowed leaf all of a sudden. A little thing really but I’ve pondered it today… tonight I found this poem by Nancy Wood and just had to share the two. Thankyou to Danielle and Noel for your thoughtful gift, while to most it would just be a book, it’s given me even more than we both expected, thankyou.
Well I’m a little slow in the post department this week..you can blame it on Flickr. I’ve had a small photostream there for over a year but just decided to start updating so it’s been taking up time where I’d normally be blogging! It’s a little bit addictive, good old Flickr…(And can also be daunting with all that amazing talent floating around!)..
I’ll be back with more photos soon.
S xxx
That is a great image, Sheye. I have been meaning to read that book for a while now, Danielle has offered it to me and I will have to take her up on the offer.
When I first looked at the photo I thought it was a yellow flower. Only after reading the poem and post did I realize it was a dead leaf. I guess it’s all how you look at it isn’t it? Great image – your work and blog are inspiring!
Some pictures do indeed say a thousand words. How beautiful.
Perfect picture to go with a perfect poem… lovely of you to share, the colors are fantastic.
Blessings,
~j~
Sheye,
how beautiful and wonderful. and how perfect.
tara
Even though I have visited your blog often these last few months, I had never seen your photostream on Flickr.
Finding some new pictures on there was like discovering some hidden secrets. Such wonderful photography.
Tania
Happy Valentine’s Day from someone who never knows quite what to say to you.
xo
Oh this post is so beautiful. I love the poem, the picture, and the passage…all so lovely. Can you send some blue skies our way to break up the monotonous cloudy skies here? Pretty please?
It is also SO bizarre that you just posted about flickr…I have been hemming and hawing about whether or not to get back on it…I had some rather interesting comments on my pictures last time so I deleted my profile. You may have just inspired me. I can’t wait until I have more time to look at your pics. I know they’re all just gorgeous!!
Beautiful photo, beautiful poem. I too thought it was a flower at first!! Love the colour :) xxxx
Hello!
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!
I`m touched of your story and the beautiful moments you have put down in words and in the photos.
I feel greatly inspired from visiting your blog.
Thankyou for sharing.
Love Blueberrypai from Norway
Beautiful post. But how could YOU possibly be daunted by anyone elses talent – you are amazing with that camera of yours!!!
That is lovely Sheye.
jbxo
I like that you are a bit sweet on Flickr right now. Your photos are so wonderful. I could fave every one.