Of course it hurts when buds burst.
Otherwise why would spring hesitate?
Why would all our fervent longing
be bound in the frozen bitter haze?
The bud was the casing all winter.
What is this new thing, which consumes and bursts?
Of course it hurts when buds burst,
pain for that which grows
and for that which envelops.
Of course it is hard when drops fall.
Trembling with fear they hang heavy,
clammer on the branch, swell and slide –
the weight pulls them down, how they cling.
Hard to be uncertain, afraid and divided,
hard to feel the deep pulling and calling,
yet sit there and just quiver –
hard to want to stay
and to want to fall.
Then, at the point of agony and when all is beyond
help,
the tree’s buds burst as if in jubilation,
then, when fear no longer exists,
the branch’s drops tumble in a shimmer,
forgetting that they were afraid of the new,
forgetting that they were fearful of the journey –
feeling for a second their greatest security,
resting in the trust
that creates the world.
This poem “Of Course it Hurts” by Karin Boye was discovered at Shawna Lemay’s blog, Calm Things. I couldn’t help but be inspired to reproduce it here for your pleasure. Shawna is a writer, poet, and a fine photographer and her blog has many interesting and creative perspectives. I don’t get much time to visit other blogs on a regular basis, but it’s always a treat to pop in and see what Shawna has presented.
Now you went and did it. Trees are my special muse even though they aren’t often found in my digital art. The poem accompanying your photos is so wonderful.
Beautiful images, beautiful words! I may have to borrow that poem…
So nice to see these beautiful images of yours. I especially love the bud. That is what I love most about spring — the buds. I feel the same as you about finding it hard to get around to all the wonderful blogs out there. I have decided to put more emphasis on my own photography right now. It is just too easy to go admire everyone else’s and not do your own! And there is so much else to life as well, right? But I do like to maintain at least a small connection with those who produce thoughtful and beautiful work on their blogs to show them my appreciation.