In the late afternoon we sat watching the lotus. A cool breeze took the edge off a hot day, but the water was still. How perfectly this leaf was rolled. We rolled our scattered thoughts together.
rolled
Nearby another leaf had begun to open, spreading itself gently across the surface. Finding support. Taking time.
unfurling
Fluted edges rippling gracefully on the water, droplets glistening.
buds
Radiating patterns, undulating curves, pink teardrop buds.
full blown
Fully open, stamens surrounding the central pod like a dancer’s tutu, held in the pink and white chalice of the bloom.
pods and blooms
Dancing in the afternoon light, pods and flowers together, celebrating the lowering sun, turning their heads to whisper sweet secrets to each other. We bow, united, our dance concluding with the sunset.
The Lotus
On the day when the lotus bloomed, alas, my mind was straying,
and I knew it not. My basket was empty and the flower remained unheeded.
Only now and again a sadness fell upon me, and I started up from my
dream and felt a sweet trace of a strange fragrance in the south wind.
That vague sweetness made my heart ache with longing and it seemed to me that is was the eager breath of the summer seeking for its completion.
I knew not then that it was so near, that it was mine, and that this
perfect sweetness had blossomed in the depth of my own heart.
dadirridreaming 
Beautiful and soothing. Photos so lovely in colours soft, and I must admit I didn’t know about the leaves spreading out from rolls like these. You have caught a moment of moving stillness.
enjoy a little taste of summer Ann Christine … thank you for your lovely words 🙂
Lovely post, beautiful flowers. When I first saw lotus in the wild I was amazed. They seem to be such a social plant, each growing close to friends and family…
there was a small dam full of tall white lotus near us years ago, they were so striking that I wanted to grow them straight away … however it took until 2001 when we planted a red lotus in this dam … it is particularly happy and prolific this year 🙂
They really are a feast for the eyes! A monk once taught me that one reason lotus are sacred is because the stages of bud, open flower, and seed pod can all be seen at the same time. I can see what 2far2shout means.
So interesting dandyknife, I have not heard that before but shall add it to my lotus info … they are a fascinating plant, and every part is edible!
BEAUTIFUL! Nice to see now that it is cold here.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
yes, your lotus would be hibernating!
Gorgeous photos. The water looks like glass!
such a slaty blue at present 🙂
The flowers are truly beautiful.
they draw me all the time, I just go out to see the lotus!
I don’t blame you.
What a wonderful peaceful way to start my day…just lovely photos…thanks.
you write so well about such pain, treachery, stupidity and greed I am glad to bring you something cheerful Charles 🙂
How very, very beautiful! Thank you so much, Christine!
lotus blessings Amy!
Lovely images and lovely words Christine. Do you know . . . there’s a Tagore Festival at Dartington from the 20-22 June this year.
how extraordinary! we will miss it 😦
Reading your words and seeing the leaves and flowers open has had a wonderful calming affect on my Christine, thank you x
so pleased to hear that Claire, thanks for letting me know 🙂
What a peaceful afternoon you must have spent, Christine. The Lotus blossoms and leaves are so beautiful. 🙂
spellbinding!
Great word! 🙂
Beautiful, soothing, meditative post. It was a good way to end my week. Thank you, Christine.
inspired by your posts I think Robin, although I never know where my writing comes from … not me … it just pours out, or not!
How tranquil. I had no idea that the lotus leaf opened in this way. Lovely words from yourself and Tagore 🙂
that leaf business is amazing isn’t it?
Lovely post , words and photos!
thanks scrapydo, you are so encouraging 🙂 but it is hard to go wrong with lotus 😀
I agree, I’ve seen an open Lotus flower only once way back in 2006 while visiting the botanical gardens in Wellington NZ.
I guess NZ is not warm enough for them?
There are some in the green house at the Botanical gardens in Wellington. That’s where I saw them
Peaceful and so beautiful, all the way through. ox
thanks Debra, lotus kisses back to you, hope you get some rain 🙂
I was almost holding my breath as it opened! The buds are exquisite 🙂
there is nothing quite like the shape of a lotus bud, so heavy and solid, in that coiled or furled spiral, with a delicate point … hmmm!
I have never noticed the lotus leaves opening like that, this is a beautiful post Christine.
the leaves are fascinating aren’t they?
They certainly are
Here is that during my absence fiorito your pond with Lotus flowers! I love them so much for their symbolic value
yes me too … rising from the mire of maya to the bliss of awakening 🙂
A lovely meditation. Thank you
so glad you enjoyed it!
Your beautiful photos paired with Guruji’s words are truly enchanting Christine!
thank you Madhu, that means a lot from you! He is an awesome poet 🙂
Beautiful post through and through.
aaaahh, thanks Chris, enjoy a taste of summer 🙂
On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 1:06 PM, dadirridreaming wrote:
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Reblogged this on Napkinwriter and commented:
WE KNOW WHAT WE DON’t KNOW. This was posted by Christine Jan. 31, 2014 …she knew not then that her passing on July 2 was foreshadowed in these Tagore poetry lines she chose: ” I knew not then that it was so near, that it was mine, and that this
perfect sweetness had blossomed in the depth of my own heart.” The sweet lotus was her favorite flower and her photographs reflect this. Christine, a flower of perfect sweetness.