NOTHING CAN BRING BACK THE HOUR
March 12, 2016
Mr. Wilson anxiously anticipated what was about to unfold. He interviewed with the local reporter, and for the first time in many years preparation began for the rare event. Special guests were invited, lavish desserts prepared, and outdoor staging perfectly set. All waited in anticipation.
Mr. Wilson anxiously anticipated what was about to unfold. He interviewed with the local reporter, and for the first time in many years preparation began for the rare event. Special guests were invited, lavish desserts prepared, and outdoor staging perfectly set. All waited in anticipation.
You know the story.
Mr. Wilson's rare orchid was set to bloom for the first and only time in forty years. "Timing is everything."
Mrs. Wilson agreed to watch Dennis while his parents were out of town; Mr. Wilson reluctantly accepted this fate. While guests were arriving on the day of the event, Dennis the well intentioned 'Menace' toppled the lovely set dessert table. Banished from sight, he couldn't be contained. At the precise moment the rare flower was unfolding, Dennis inadvertently created an ill-timed distraction. Before everyone redirected their attention, the bloom had completely faded.
Just as Mr. Wilson and guests fell prey, we miss the splendor in life when we focus on the distractions.
Similar to Mr. Wilson's anticipation, the staff at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew prepared for an Agave to bloom for the first time in forty years.
Agaves are called Century Plants because they are known to bloom after 100 years. Plants that take this long to produce a flower make it count. Shortly before flowering, this particular Agave quadrupled in size, growing at a rate of 3 feet per week. The staff had to cut a hole in the conservatory roof to allow continued growth. The Agave produced a spike that quickly grew to 29 feet before flowering. Plants that take the longest time to bloom seem to produce the most spectacular flowers.
The Agave at Kew produced spectacular flowers that soon after faded, then died. Once an Agave blooms, that's it; the plant dies after blooming. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Nothing can bring back the hour.
We are reminded each year as we spring forward into Daylight Savings Time, nothing can bring back the hour!
Dedicated to lost hours:
"Splendor in the Grass"
What though the radiance which was once so brightBe now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
-- William Wordsworth
[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald]
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