Raniers at the Peak of Pandemic

“So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.”

Robert Frost

Raniers will not be in season long.

Today these red-blushed beauties, a delicate blend between Bing and Van cherry varieties, are perfectly ripened. Amber sunshine and honey in the mouth.

A friend has picked a handful of bright Gerbera daisies from her garden. A gift of fresh color.

Tomorrow the vibrant blooms will begin to fade and wilt, and the next day, at least one petal will fall.

The late afternoon summer sun spills a golden glow across the table. Second by second, the light will move on.

Sweet, fleeting moments in a perishable world.

“Breathing in, I see the beautiful leaves, breathing out, I know they are impermanent. Smiling at the nature of change I enjoy their presence even more.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

4 Comments

  • Maureen Ryan Griffin

    I shared this with my writing class this morning and they used it as a springboard to write beautiful pieces. Thank you, as always, for a thoughtful, meaningful, gorgeous post that helps readers appreciate the gifts of the earth.

    • admin

      Oh, Maureen, I’m flattered! And delighted, too, that this post provided a jumping-off point for your students. I’m finding that the Japanese phrase, “mono no aware” — the pathos of things — is especially relevant during these uncertain times. The realization that everything is transient evokes such a deep and bittersweet appreciation of the present moment.