Monday, February 26, 2007

One Day in Spring

DAFFODIL: Regard, rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love, you're the only one, chivalry.
DAFFODIL, SEVERAL: Joy, happiness.
The 'meaning' of flowers is said to have evolved from the medieval and Renaissance period. Artists of that time attached rich visual symbolism to different blooms, and managed to aptly capture the 'essence' of emotions in which each flower evoked.

It's no wonder why flowers are given on special occasions. But let's not delve into that.

Isn't it amazing how flowers are able to affect moods? Just today, I took a rather lengthy walk with Danielle and we were
(or, at least I was) instantly cheered by a sea of daffodils growing willy nilly on the grass patches at Clapham Common.

We stood there in silence - almost afraid that a single utterance from us would destroy that quiet moment of Beauty.

They were God-sent, those flowers. Just the boosters I needed today, and perhaps a little while longer. God certainly has sweet ways of telling you He's there and that everything will be alright...

I told Danielle that the Daffodil was my favourite flower today. I scarcely think she will remember it. Nevertheless, I hope when she looks at them some day, they will fill her with a distinct sense of
déjà vu.

And she will remember the indescribable joy those daffodils brought Mummy, that beautiful day in Spring.

Even great poets have been touched by the daffodils' quiet charm. William Wordsworth describes them in a way I never could. Through his poem, he pays homage to the daffodil I feel it so rightfully deserves.

Daffodils - William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

2 comments:

As The Deer said...

I am glad that a little piece of Heaven and a reflection of God's love was encapsulated in those cheery yellow blooms. Praise God that we are not too blinded by our problems to see Him in His creations.

I love seeing Daffodils, smelling Lavender and watching Snow Drops (another kind of flower) nod their head in the wind. I love the Lily because it reminds me of Jesus and it also has a lovely scent.

I miss watching the 4 seasons melt into each other but I guess it is nice to be able to see green & blue skies all year round too. =)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely experience to see the wonder of God's creation and what an awesome poem Wordsworth composed -- one that can make me imagine the beauty and the entrancing effect of daffodils on us. I use the word 'imagine' cos' I have not seen them, except for the pix posted here. How I wish I had been there to share the experience with you and Nelle. I'm glad God, through the daffodils, provided you with respite and joy, in the midst of your recent bumpy ride.