Recently I read an article about how journalism had lost its way during the chaos and ignominy of the previous administration, resorting to more and more stories of anger and catastrophe.
The author suggested that for journalism to regain its social role it needs to tell stories of hope, agency, and dignity.
The Mexican Lilies in my garden represent such a story. These lilies bloom for one day only, revealing that there is more to life than showing off.
HOPE
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| This bud reaching toward the sky exudes the hope of growth and renewal. |
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| Here we see it beginning to unfold into a blossom. |
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| This one looks as though it's yawning. Do I really want to see what's around me? |
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| Here we are in all our outrageous beauty! |
AGENCY
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| Producing pollen for bees, butterflies, and significant others. |
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| Moving on. As new lilies bloom, older ones are ready to let go of their youth. |
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| On the same stalk, one lily is ready to move on while two buds prepare to bloom tomorrow. |
DIGNITY
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| Blossoms closing; preparing for what comes next. |
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| Stagers of release. |
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| This mature plant had four blossoms. Each blossom left behind a seed pod. After the pods dry out, seeds will be released for new lilies to grow. |
WATCHING
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| All the while Buddha and I are paying attention. |
4 comments:
What a delightfully lovely post. The Lily is one of if not my fave flower…I shall never see one without thinking about this post ! Thank you! Thank you!
Cheers~
Hope, agency, and dignity. The photos you've shared of the Lily convey all three. I was struck a few days ago seeing a quote attributed to Vádclav Havel (you've probably seen it before): "Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well. It is the certainty that something is worth doing no matter how it turns out." Rather than "certainty," I'd probably say "conviction." Whatever, it has to do with personal investment. Terry
LiDona, Your lilies are magnificent. I have orange tiger lilies, which are fairly common, but I also enjoy watching their development and demise. I appreciated your photo essay. Life lessons from the garden.
I was trying to post photo of my lilies, but didn't work, so emailing you my small contribution to the lily conversation. The photo I sent you was before the butternut squash plant took over the garden spot. I moved my Gardener statue to help block the way for the encroaching wine, which is already giving me hope for winter soups and casseroles. Terry, I appreciate your changing word to this special quote above. Always grateful for thoughts and artistry.
Fabulous lilies, there's something magical about day lilies, every day something new, another flower.
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