The Exceptional Glitter of a Dragonfly's Wing

On a writing list I belong to, Ellen Moore of New Life Stories quoted the lines from Henry James "Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language....".

I misread them as "English summer afternoon" - and though I got the quotation wrong, it was pertinent serendipity - and the reason why I have not been showing up here - again - very often. I have been seduced by English summer afternoons - and mornings - in the garden, where I have been spending my time from (almost) dawn to dusk on many days.

We had very heavy rain last night - but this morning, everything is washed fresh and clean. The pond, which has been gravitating towards a congested puddle, has filled up again, as I discovered when I went to check it just now. Peering into the depths, I noticed how murky it still was under the surface - and then, in front of my eyes, a pair of glittering wings sped past. 

The first big dragonfly of the year - and from the iridescence of the wings I suspected that it was newly emerged from its nymphal exoskeleton. I inspected the foliage around the pond - and there, amongst the rushes, was another - just emerged (you can see the exoskeleton from which it has emerged just behind it - and that of the first dragonfly that I saw just below), sunning itself in order to allow its wings to expand and dry out. Is it not an exquisite sight?

There is a lot of work to be done out in the garden - but another reason why I am spending time in the garden is to dance with the music of nature - for as my  dear on-line friend Carolyn  whose husband Arnie is very seriously ill exhorts us on her own blog - "Dance while you have the chance". Fran Redondowriter tells you more of their story and offers her own thoughts and prayers here

Carolyn and Arnie have been an inspiration to me and many others on the two writing communities we mutually belong to for several years now. Carolyn's family motto is (or should be) "When Life hands you lemons, make lemonade" - but right now, even Carolyn is lost for words as she sits with Arnie in his battle for life.

And for me - when I feel pretty hopeless and not able to do much other than listen and witness to others tough times? I go into my garden - (as I know Carolyn so often does) and I sink my fingers into the earth, to
reconnect with what is important.

I inhale the scents of the herbs, I watch the buzzards flying overhead, soaring on thermals and hoping that those who struggle at this time are lifted up on Eagles Wings. I listen to the crickets in the field next door, I watch the tadpoles in the pond as they metamorphose into little froglets and strike out with their tiny little new-frog legs to swim from one side of the pond to the other.

When I struggle with my own emotions and the emotions of others, when I am looking for glimpses of hope in a seeming sea of difficulty, I go back to nature. Wendell Berry says it more perfectly than I ever could....I may have posted this before - but it easily bears repeating...

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair in the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my
children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water and the
great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with
forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of
still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting their light.
For a time I rest in the grace of the world
and am free.

Wendell Berry

Keep Carolyn and Arnie in your thoughts, good readers - Dance while you have the chance, and take time to notice the glitter of a dragonfly's wing.

Comments

[Darla]

What a beautiful post Roz, both the words and the photo's. Your garden is so green and lovely.

Like you, I'm keeping the faith with Carolyn and Arnie and being reminded how precious life really is.

Darla

[Boyd]

Oh, what a lovely time I had here at your blog this morning, Roz, catching up on all you've written since May. A lovely diversion on this beautiful summer day.

[MaryLou/TX]

All of your hard work has really paid off.
Your garden is beautiful!

I too am keeping Arnie and Carolyn in my prayers.

[Mary]

Hello Roz - your beautiful post brought a tear or two. The lovely photos of your peaceful garden, mixed with sadness of your friend and her husband in his struggle to regain his health after this huge setback, just seemed unfair.
We ask little of life really, especially when we have such a great love for Nature and what she offers. It's the beauty surrounding us - the trees, flowers, birds and those tiny jewels, such as your dragonflies, that suddenly emerge and fill the day with wonder.

The poem is amazing and I will keep it close at hand for special times - thank you for sharing this. Carolyn and Arnie will be remembered in my prayers.

Love the curtains at the door of the Summerhouse - so romantic. Your pond area looks lush, the Passion Flower (or is it a clematis?) is gorgeous.

Stay well - enjoy the English Summer afternoons - I remember them well.
Warm wishes - Mary.

[MaryLou/TX]

Just dropping in to see how you and your garden are doing. I keep checking Carolyn's site to check on Arnie's progress. Another blogger who communicates with her said that he went home and then had to go back to the hospital again. Haven't heard anything else.
I guess you are busy eating those peas. (:)

[Mother Nature]

The poem expresses so beautifully how nature nurtures. Your garden is a lovely place. The garden house is so inviting. Let's dance.:)

[Anna]

Just found your blog and am enjoying reading your posts and looking at the lovely photos. The Wendell Berry poem is a favorite and it's good to be reminded by its message again.

Beautiful design for your herb garden, very inspiring.

Thanks for writing and I look forward to more.