These large fallen purplish black leaves formed a carpet in Winkworth Arboretum around their tree: a 'Japanese big-leaved magnolia'. Nearby was a little bench in a Japanese style. On the seat was a curving metal strip with, stamped into it, the first two lines of the following poem which I knew from schooldays:
"What is this life if, full of care,
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 is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
('Leisure' by William Henry Davies)
Firstly I remembered the poem being read at the humanist funeral service of a dear friend of ours a few years ago. Secondly I thought that this poem is apt for us photographers, amateur or professional.
Lovely leaves and poem! It's always good to be reminded that we're not wasting our time when we notice the world around us. In fact, it's essential to our wellbeing to stand and stare. :)
One of the nicest poems I've known! Thanks for bringing it back into life! The moment I read, "What is this life", the other words came straight into mind! Black leaves, eh? They must be very strong!
Quite spectacular and so amazing. I so agree with the poem, thank you for reminding us. Photography does encourage standing and staring and looking for beauty which is such a benefit.
How lovely!
Maybe you should write a poem, too, Ferry!
Ah yes - I remember now!
Well maybe strong, certainly lovely with their purple tinge - but they had fallen from the trees long before other leaves!