I have just read a really beautiful posting by L'Archiduchesse entitled Audience. Scriptor Senex (alias CJ) wrote in his comment the first few lines of a poem, Leisure, by W H Davies. It is a poem that I used to know by heart and found particularly peaceful. I used never to have time - no, that's not correct - I never made the time to stand and stare beneath the boughs and my life was the poorer for that. Now I have re-allocated my priorities and stop and stare as much as I want. Blogging has been a great help to that. I photograph with a greater purpose and think more about what is behind the photograph and not just about what is in front of the lens.
The full poem:
The full poem:
What is this life if, full of care,I stop. I stare. More than that I try and think about that which I am staring at. And I will do it with greater purpose from this day forth.
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
And a yes from me :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteStop and stare at this wondrous day, Your Birthday...and many more to come.
:^)
C
The world needs watchers to stare, just as the watchers need to stare at the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time. It is time well spent.