Continuing along the thread of poetry I started, I found (was given, actually, by my poetry troubadour friend) this simple poem about simplicity by a Palestinian poet named Taha Muhammad Ali.
Every since I started making images, I have been striving for simplicity. It’s what speaks to me most directly and powerfully and what resonates most deeply. Often it is a simple impression I want to convey, a feeling, a mood, even an idea…
This week’s photo challenge is about capturing moments of wonder “when the infinite catches us by surprise” stumbling “upon it in things both big and small.” And for me, it is often the small things that I return to over and over — a silent leaf caught in the light can be every bit as glorious as the thumping thunder of Victoria Falls.
Twigs
And so
it has taken me
all of sixty years
to understand
that water is the finest drink
and bread the most delicious food
and that art is worthless
unless it plants
a measure of splendor in people’s hearts.
TAHA MUHAMMAD ALI
I recently read a wonderful post by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits that touches beautifully on the essence of simple living. It’s about stripping down to the very basics — and revelling in them.
Sharing with Friday Finds.
I so agree, it’s the little things that are often the most meaningful. And I must say that your images here are just extraordinary!
It was an article…but it looks good…just subscribed.
Such a wonderful post…photo’s are gorgeous and I just love the poem..simple but with purpose…sort of reminds me of a Haiku…I’m going to look up that book…thanks for sharing.
yes, i agree and you’ve entirely successful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours
Sheer Bliss, is all I have but I think it speaks well for these.
What a beautiful series of images this is, Sherry.
I love the wonderful softness in each.
Beautiful images, Sherry. Enjoyed them very much!
Gorgeous photos, I especially like the autumn leaves. And the poem is lovely, also.
Beautiful post – the poem is wonderful with the photos – which are beautiful. Really nice!
A beautiful post filled with lovely photos (that 1st one is gorgeous) and some wonderful poetry as well.
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Gorgeous images and lovely poem.
That first photo is a stunner! I read Zen Habits, too. It’s calming and I always feel inspired to live more simply.
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That leaf image is incredible! Beautiful composition and bokeh.
beautiful images and poetry that captures the infinite perfectly. ♥
Lovely photos of the small things that are so often not the focus of our eyes.
janet
beautiful…
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These photographs represent the simplicity of what we see, which often, we overlook. I’m getting a truly zen feeling from all of them. Happy weekend Sherry and Happy Thanksgiving. xo
Absolutely gorgeous and thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment on my blog. So appreciated!
There is so much beauty in simplicity and you’ve captured it beautifully here.
These are wonderful. Simple but full of meaning.
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Oh my! These images, all of them, really speak to me. They feel dreamy, almost magical. Thank you for sharing these works of art.
Wonderful words and perfect images, thank you for sharing them Sherry.
Nice! I love the pic with the berries where one lone berry stands out.
Beautiful images Sherry. I love the last three lines of that poem, so resonates with me right now.
You could sell snow to an alaskan♥ Beautiful beautiful words!!!
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Simplicity in images and words —- takes a lifetime sometimes to see this.
Thank You Sherry!!!
Very beautiful, Sherry. I especially love the wonderful lighting in the first two shots. So well captured with sensitivity! Lovely poetry.
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With your workshop of last week on “plenty” in my mind, Kim, I find it particularly meaningful to contemplate how much abundance and simplicity have in common, in the face of the infinite.
Thanks for dropping by Kim and leaving such a kind comment. You have been — and continue to be — a big inspiration to me. When we remain open and aware with a beginner’s mind is when we often catch a glimpse of it.
I know we are on the same wavelength about this, Elena. It’s a real gift to have a sister (blood one at that) to share with!
Beautiful thoughts and images and poem and wonderful post by Leo. I love the term “when the infinite catches us by surprise.” I seem to be looking for that more and more all the time.
… a measure of splendor … those are magic words. Thanks for sharing. Resonates big time – or should I say, small time – with me too.