Auguries of Innocence

from

Auguries of Innocence

by William Blake

 

To see a world in a grain of sand,

 

And a heaven in a wild flower,

 Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.

 

The source of the title of my blog is William Blake's Auguries of Innocence, an amazingly wonderful and complicated poem.  For many years, Blake's poetry has tantalized my imagination and, in many ways, shaped my poetic spirit.  Today, I am sending you the first stanza only of Auguries of Innocence.  I certainly hope that Blake approves of my photo illustrations, the first from a Mexican beach and the second, the Mariposa Lily, from Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.



Daisy Unfurled

Just as rain collects on the petals of the daisy and moisture nourishes the magic of the bloom, so tears glisten on our faces and sadness roots in our hearts.  However, given the opportunity, the tears and sadness can nourish our innate wisdom and lend to the unfurling of our inner beauty.

Unique Complexities

Embodied in the complexities of the Gerbera daisy is the beauty of the love that grows and deepens between a husband and wife as their special relationship draws forth and enhances the individual uniqueness of each.  This post is dedicated with love to Amanda and Hugh, married October 20, 2012.

Nature's Bridal Bouquet

The Birch-leaf Spirea speaks of the beauty, the love, and the infinite possibilities of marriage.  This post is dedicated to Hugh and Amanda.  Tomorrow, with family and friends, they will begin a journey together - one blessed with their mutual love and the unconditional love of their families.

The Nose Knows

The Airedale nose is perfectly constructed for maximum input:

Vulnerable Fragility Thorn Protected

Through all seasons, the Prickly Pear wrecks havoc with the unwary feet of cattle, coyotes, deer, bear, skunks, dogs and humans.  Occasionally, too, the hidden spikes attack hikers sitting to enjoy a view and a rest.  Unappreciated is the task of these nasty thorns to protect the graceful fragility of the short-lived blossoms that ensure the survival of the Prickly Pear in the arid southern interior of BC.



Surprising Sunflower Spirals

The macro lens uncovers, at every turn, Blake's unassisted view of the microcosm.  Zooming in on the centre of the sunflower bloom, I beheld with delight the beautiful, symmetrical, spiral patterns created by the maturing seeds.  The image regularly replays in my imagination leaving my heart smiling and my sense of wonder magnified.



The Magic of Flower Zooming

Chicory

This summer I came to a standstill when I zoomed in on a photo of chicory I had taken as an after thought.  My target was the harebell, but the chicory, a common roadside plant, took the prize that day.