Last week our 'In A Vase On Monday' hostess Cathy invited us to share our favourite love poems but I missed posting a vase. So a week later after finding it impossible to narrow it down to one poem, here are just a short extract from one of my favourite books of all time to celebrate my dear sister's thirty fifth wedding anniversary which is today. The book is Kahil Gibran's 'The Prophet' which has accompanied me since 1973. His words on love include the following lines :
"Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but itself
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed
For love is sufficient unto love"
My sister was married on a day most similar day to today - bitterly cold and windy but blue skies and sunshine too. There were other weather surprises thrown in to the mix too - hail, thunder and a beautiful rainbow. We shared laughter reminiscing about her wedding day yesterday when we enjoyed an Easter family phone call with my youngest brother and his two daughters. She and her husband are now enjoying the joys of grandchildren but have known some darker times too with both of them both going through serious illnesses during those years together. I will be raising a glass to them tonight.
The little violas in my sunshine vase, hand painted by our mum are 'Morpho', a recent purchase from my first trip to a shop since last March.
Cathy today is celebrating the appearance of some lovely and elegant ladies in her garden, in the shape of her first tulips of the year. Do have a peek over at 'Rambling In The Garden'. I wonder what other firsts of the year might be appearing in other vases today.
Thank you for sharing these touching lines from one of your favoured love poems Anna, and How fitting it was to quote them on your sister's special day - your phone call yesterday will have been precious to all of you, I am sure. Your little violas in that precious vase of yours are so pretty. Thanks for shring, and best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteThe vase is wonderful, Anna, and fits its contents well. I've planted the 'Morpho' Violas in the past but haven't seen them in recent years. The excerpt from 'The Prophet' is a lovely testimonial to your sister's anniversary.
ReplyDeleteI knew those lines but did not know where they came from. I think my Mum used to quote them. She had a wonderful memory for poetry, and I think this was down to having learnt lots of poetry by rote as part of her education in the 1930s. I love the fact that in French the word for pansies and violas are Pensées as in "thought", and are a symbol of remembrance, which sums up your post.
ReplyDeleteI also love his texts, Anna, and your sweet little vase matches those lines perfectly. Very chilly here too, hope the frost won't harm the blossom on our fruit trees. Keep warm xx
ReplyDeleteThe pansy looks as though it’s been painted.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet viola Anna. And sweet words too. :-)
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