Lily's Lament

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Detached but inseparable from the destructive whims of human behavior within nature, the yearning and the careless exist as interchangeable travelers in space together.
At differing times, in varying degrees, many of us have played the roles of both Lily (poetic prose below) and the one who picked her up briefly along the way.
Too early for lilies, I nonetheless searched for some hope of spring among the trees.
The air was crisp. Birds flitted from branch to branch. People walked with their pets. 
For one sun flashing moment all seemed right in my speck of the world.
    
Walkers and paddlers seemed headed in bright directions at a harmonious pace.
But not so fast, a little bird seemed to say. Life rife with tragedies dealt Canada a recent blow that will bring great economic destruction. The US is threatening its best trading partner and most reliable friend with extreme tariffs, betraying Canadians with bogus arguments, amid other bonds tossed in the trash like leftover summer flowers.
Sometimes when spring seems near, snow appears and we're left out in the cold.

Explore more at What's Going On?, Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters.

Comments

  1. Barbara RogersFebruary 5, 2025 at 12:06 PM

    I liked your phrase: "the destructive whims of human behavior within nature, the yearning and the careless exist as interchangeable travelers in space together." That is what blogging is for me today, definitely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sherry Blue SkyFebruary 5, 2025 at 12:16 PM

    What a feast in here, of poetry and wonderful photos. Just lovely. I love all the little birds. And appreciate the link to the panel on climate change. So much is coming at us in the news, we scarcely absorb one shock when presented with something even more shocking. By design, it seems, so no one can muster the ability to oppose because where do you start? Sigh. Your photos are uplifting. And spring will come.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MaryFebruary 5, 2025 at 1:22 PM

    I feel sad about the life. of the bloom cut short, but that is the cycle of life! Beautiful writing and wonderful photography.. I love the dog photo.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sumana RoyFebruary 6, 2025 at 5:35 AM

    You've captured the sad truth of life so beautifully. It's heartbreaking to be tossed away like an unwanted gift. Love the photos of birds and the cute dog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. TruedessaFebruary 6, 2025 at 7:45 AM

    This is the first I've been to your blog. The photos and word captions are amazing that coming from someone who loves nature and birds. The lily poem really pulled at my heartstrings. sigh...you have captured the fragility of life.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SusanFebruary 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM

    "amid other bonds tossed in the trash like leftover summer flowers" Canada, the Lily--one recoverable and the other not, no matter what wisdom we call upon. It's a shame. I hope our renegade gov't takes steps to restore Canada's trust.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penelope NotesFebruary 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM

      Lily is not her old self that's for sure ... she has been transformed. Seems there is an up side to many things that are terrible. Canada is more together than ever and also reminded not to put all its eggs in one basket. We will expand our trading partners and that will be to its betterment.

      Delete
  7. Rose PFebruary 6, 2025 at 10:41 AM

    I love the birds.

    ReplyDelete
  8. carol l mckennaFebruary 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    Lily is so beautifully written and your photography is a gift I treasure ~ life expressed so well in LILY ~ hugs to you enlightened one.

    Wishing you good health,laughter and love in your days,
    clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiFebruary 6, 2025 at 1:15 PM

    Lovely photos and words! I've hear it siad we are in the mid way of winter heading towards spring and all it's new beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yogi♪♪♪February 6, 2025 at 1:37 PM

    Sorry about the trump chaos. He doesn't value alliances, friendships, and bonds. All he knows is grievance and chaos. We are in a lull but it will return.

    ReplyDelete
  11. TomFebruary 6, 2025 at 1:53 PM

    ...Maria, sunshine has been a rare occurrence here lately. Enjoy your sunny moment when you can.

    ReplyDelete
  12. JimFebruary 7, 2025 at 2:19 AM

    Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Rosemary Nissen-WadeFebruary 7, 2025 at 3:40 AM

    Delightful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Rosemary Nissen-WadeFebruary 7, 2025 at 3:43 AM

    On second thoughts that seems like a silly comment in view of the sad word picture you paint; nevertheless the tale is told beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rajani RehanaFebruary 7, 2025 at 7:39 AM

    Great blog

    ReplyDelete
  16. Spare Parts and PicsFebruary 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM

    Wonderful photos, and nice to escape, if just for a moment. We all need a little escape right now.

    ReplyDelete
  17. J Cosmo NewberyFebruary 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM

    Lovely writing but I feel sad for the poor lily.

    ReplyDelete
  18. RajaniFebruary 7, 2025 at 6:39 PM

    Love that bird in the snow, looking up. Yes we've been on both sides of the lily story at one point or the other.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little PencilFebruary 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM

    My first time here, and I so appreciate all the pix of birds. There is love to be found in nature... but humans can be thoughtless about caring for the earth. The image of that lily being plucked and tossed away... a little heartbreak there, even as the lily mentions being set free. Thanks for visiting Sharp Little Pencil and leaving your thoughts. Amy

    ReplyDelete
  20. eileeninmdFebruary 8, 2025 at 4:17 AM

    Beautiful lily and poem. It is sad to cut these lovely flowers, shortening their life.
    Beautiful birds and ducks. I especially love the varied Thrush, a pretty bird. I am not happy with our current leader, I expect some rough times ahead. Thank you for your critter post and sharing your link. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. stardustFebruary 8, 2025 at 6:29 AM

    I love the birds in the snow among all the lovely photos. The snowflakes (#8 image) reminded me of falling Sakura petals coming in two months…. not far away.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Brother OllieFebruary 8, 2025 at 7:04 AM

    Your poems and photos help relieve some of the Trump chaos.

    ReplyDelete
  23. HelenFebruary 8, 2025 at 4:56 PM

    From euphoria to utter despair .... this is a grand poem! How quickly things can change. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

    ReplyDelete
  24. BreathtakingFebruary 9, 2025 at 4:56 AM

    Hello :)
    Lily's Lament is a beautifully written but sad poem because it's true. I love all your bird photos.
    All the best
    Sonjia.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2025 at 6:43 AM

    Sad little flower. I wonder how she would have felt about being picked by a grazing animal?

    PK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penelope NotesFebruary 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM

      No frivolous toss and interesting point. At least a grazing animal would have benefited from the lily as food. :)

      Delete
  26. ShammickiteFebruary 9, 2025 at 8:51 AM

    Lovely poem (even though a hint of sadness)... and also lovely bird pictures in the snow, even the fluffy birdy bum!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hena TayebFebruary 12, 2025 at 10:05 AM

    That was a beautiful poem.

    ReplyDelete
  28. purplepeninportland.comFebruary 13, 2025 at 5:42 PM

    I love the tale of the lily, and its clever conclusion. Your bird photos are wonderful!

    ReplyDelete

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