A Ray of Beauty*
“Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty
outvalues all the utilities of the world.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Into a lovely garden I venture
With a camera to take a picture
Not expecting some sudden adventure
A paradise of creeping creatures
Like that multi-legged caterpillar
It’s feet clamped around a tall slender stem
With the intent of being a raider
That is something I cannot comprehend
Just how I can think him an intruder
One might say he’s even a perfect match
In this paradise of a garden patch
Eyeing that bloom for a delicious lunch
What is it he has in his greedy sight
His many spear-like hairs gleaming with light
I hope I do not hear a fatal crunch
A flower has nothing more than beauty
Which is worth more than man’s utility
*Inspired by April Pilley’s photograph “Caterpillar”
Appearing in Nature Photographer Magazine, Summer 2009
To see the photo, copy this site:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/aibrean/portfolio/caterpillar
- Bernard Gieske, October 1, 2009
This was published by Sketchbook-5 Sep/Oct issue 2011.
The beauty of nature is profound and fascinating Ben and I love your viewpoint of the multi-legged caterpillar. I thought Yelena's information interesting too!
Yelana, thanks for the praise and comment. I didn't know Dostoevsky wrote that, but there is always beauty around us if we simply open our eyes to see it. Ben
your poem is a feast for senses and imagination. beauty will save the world, as Dostoevsky wrote. thanks so much for sharing, Ben.
A good reminder that Nature is every creatures, not only the lovely in our human eyes. Great write!
A paradise of creeping creatures makes the reader comprehend.Such a profound piece of work to enhance the glory of flowers.Great work Ben.
Flower attracts all! Nice poem!
Good write Ben, much enjoyed
Beautifully expressed and it makes us trod on earth lightly and happily.
A delightful read Ben...loved it.
I guess this now a favorite poem of mine from your archive... For unknowingly I came many times and here I found myself again.