I used not to understand that bee and flower go together, arose together. Neither makes sense without the other. Their function is shared. Two distinct leaves of the tree of life, with fairly different branches behind them, meeting again in electric matrimony.
Now I understand that not only did bee and flower originate as one, but so did electric charge itself, in the grand scheme of things. Compared to the age of the universe as it will eventually be, trillions of years from now, all of what we see around us is brand new, and simply different facets of the same single thing/event which really just began. What a beautiful baby this universe is.
LeeAnn, I feel exactly the same way. What an amazing world we live in. So much going on under our noses. It's so fantastic when we are introduced to some new wonder. Thanks for reading.
That’s is amazing! I’ve experienced that same thing before. You learn about something new and then suddenly you’re seeing it again somewhere else. Like the universe is trying to reinforce it for you.
An absolute joy! Such a fascinating aspect of flowers and bees I didn’t know.
And how fantastic you’re taking piano again. Similarly, my piano lessons as a child were stymied but my fingers itched to play. I could poke around on it still, picking up melodies I hunted for on the keys, but a couple years ago after my daughter had been taking in person lessons, we got a piano and I found an incredible software program/app I began using to learn anew. One of my favorite things!
Thanks, Kristine! And so exciting that you're playing again, too. I tried to do it on my own, with a book and an app. It didn't go well. So I'm very happy to have a found a really lovely non-judgmental teacher with great attitude. 🤗💕
I have a hard time “hearing” a poem in my head when I’m reading it silently, so hearing it with my real ears (um, I’m losing correct words) helps me hear the rhythm and sounds and so forth. Plus, it IS a real poem and you are real poet—for real.
“I think I will never hear the buzz of a bee again without imagining it is humming a favorite tune learned from a former love” That’s really lovely, Tara. Thank you for this science lesson.
This is so beautiful Tara--I love so much thinking about how my beloved birch and cottonwood in my yard view our frenetic wandering and layers of clothing in winter while they stand bare and resolute, able to withstand all types of weather. Just a gorgeous reframe in your poem. 💜
Beautiful poem, Tara!
I used not to understand that bee and flower go together, arose together. Neither makes sense without the other. Their function is shared. Two distinct leaves of the tree of life, with fairly different branches behind them, meeting again in electric matrimony.
Now I understand that not only did bee and flower originate as one, but so did electric charge itself, in the grand scheme of things. Compared to the age of the universe as it will eventually be, trillions of years from now, all of what we see around us is brand new, and simply different facets of the same single thing/event which really just began. What a beautiful baby this universe is.
I recently wrote a sonnet that begins with the relationship between bee and flower: https://mikesperiosu.substack.com/p/computational-cosmos
You might enjoy it. (No hard feelings if you don't get around to reading it!)
Fascinating — truly enjoyed this wonderful and enlightening poem (and the thoughtful intro as well). And such a great title for the poem!
Thank you, Jeffrey, and welcome! So happy you found this one and it worked for you.
Beautiful and informative. A wonderful combo!!
Thanks so much David. Glad you like this one!
This is lovely. I love the details. I’ll never see a flower in the same way.
LeeAnn, I feel exactly the same way. What an amazing world we live in. So much going on under our noses. It's so fantastic when we are introduced to some new wonder. Thanks for reading.
Nice poem! And interesting words about the function of plants.
Thank you! After seeing that video I just found myself staring at flowers with such wonder. I found it so fascinating. Glad you did, too.
very nice - thank you!
Thank you so much for reading, Jim, and for taking time to comment. Much appreciated.
Fun newsletter! My question is, how do you keep rabbits from eating the coneflowers… grrr.
We have vandalizing squirrels and the occasional ground hog. But rabbits are very rare in Maine. Sorry. It’s so demoralizing.
It’s humorous…no matter what I try they always win…
This was amazing Tara! The way you blend the essay and prose is always a joy to read.
Daniel, thank you. Really. So appreciate the feedback and encouragement.
This is utterly beautiful, Tara!
Thank you so much, Fotini. That is so kind of you. So glad this one spoke to you.
You won't believe it but after your poem I read about the same thing (well, not in verse) in Ed Yong's book "An Immense World". The same day!
That’s is amazing! I’ve experienced that same thing before. You learn about something new and then suddenly you’re seeing it again somewhere else. Like the universe is trying to reinforce it for you.
Pay attention! Everything seems to say to you pay attention! It’s an uncanny feeling!
An absolute joy! Such a fascinating aspect of flowers and bees I didn’t know.
And how fantastic you’re taking piano again. Similarly, my piano lessons as a child were stymied but my fingers itched to play. I could poke around on it still, picking up melodies I hunted for on the keys, but a couple years ago after my daughter had been taking in person lessons, we got a piano and I found an incredible software program/app I began using to learn anew. One of my favorite things!
Thanks, Kristine! And so exciting that you're playing again, too. I tried to do it on my own, with a book and an app. It didn't go well. So I'm very happy to have a found a really lovely non-judgmental teacher with great attitude. 🤗💕
Oh my goodness. So lovely. This was such a pleasure to read out loud.
You read it out loud?? Wow. That makes it feel like a "real" poem... or something. I'm blushing.
I have a hard time “hearing” a poem in my head when I’m reading it silently, so hearing it with my real ears (um, I’m losing correct words) helps me hear the rhythm and sounds and so forth. Plus, it IS a real poem and you are real poet—for real.
“I think I will never hear the buzz of a bee again without imagining it is humming a favorite tune learned from a former love” That’s really lovely, Tara. Thank you for this science lesson.
This is so beautiful Tara--I love so much thinking about how my beloved birch and cottonwood in my yard view our frenetic wandering and layers of clothing in winter while they stand bare and resolute, able to withstand all types of weather. Just a gorgeous reframe in your poem. 💜