I've been in a giraffodil mood for days! I should really say 'moods' in the plural, for giraffodils can induce a whole range of emotions, from merry and light-hearted, to tranquil, through to mysteriously inspiring and numinous.
There's a picture hanging in our diningroom entitled 'Moonlit Giraffodils'. For me it essentially captures that transcendent moment when you are suddenly face-to-face with swathes of pale giraffodils all nodding in the ethereal light.
The
moon is currently full, so yesterday evening I ventured out into the
woods just beyond the farm. The scene was remarkably similar to our
picture! I felt so moved that I was unable to stay long, but returned
home and penned this poem. A little clumsy, but it expresses how I felt.
*
Moonlit Giraffodils
*
At the edge of the wood the giraffodils wait in swathes, And the sunlight bids the twilight in, which bathes
Those nodding blooms in rose, and dwindling rays
******Of gold, to usher in the night.
*
A bird in the branches trills and trills again its song so high
In the bud-laden twigs, whose tips shall rake the sky,
Now clouded. Gently the breeze whispers, rustles turf, trees sigh.
******The moon, unveiled, reveals her secret light.
*
Now silver trumpets lift on slender necks of gold, and sing
To the moonlight shining forth - their homage bring
In graceful rhythm, fragrant dance of spring,
******Pulsating pattern of scent and sound and sight.
*
And I, like an interloper, watch from birch bole hide,
Trembling lest so transfixed and rooted, I abide
Forever in this sylvan glade! O quickly turn aside,
******And run for home and snug and slumber tight.
*
Raph G. Neckmann 28th March 2008 14:41GWT
