Tuesday, April 26, 2011

COMELINESS IN THE COMMONPLACE



My neighbor has an apple tree that grows on our mutual property line near the drive. By most standards, as apple trees go, this one is a rather poor example…though not through any fault or neglect on Everett's part; he simply acquired the medium-sized tree when he purchased the wedge of land. A tree of uncertain origin and heritage—perhaps wild—it was thoughtlessly planted in partial shade, on a steep, eroding bank. While it annually sets quite a number of fruits, only a very few apples manage to mature, thanks to the ranks of gourmandizing squirrels whose den is in the hollow of the huge sycamore a few yards away. And though I'm one of those wild-foraging apple junkies who almost never finds an apple he dislikes, on several occasions I've tried one of the dozen or so of this tree's apples that somehow survives predations—and the plain truth is, the tree's apples taste bad.

However, every April, this lowly apple tree finds its moment of breathtaking glory—responding to the ancient calling of increasing sunlight, feeling the pulse of rising sap, it bursts out with fragrant blooms worthy of anyone's attention.


Yesterday evening the showers let up for awhile. During the sort of gloaming period before too-dark twilight, I made a series of photos of the apple tree's blooms. The more I composed and shot, the more I became entranced by the subtle charm of the pink-and-white flowers with their delicate yellow stamens. Later, after I'd uploaded the images onto the computer where a single blossom covered the entire screen, I was even more astounded by their incredible splendor.   


I think we all have a tendency to overlook too many of those natural delights which are regularly placed smack under our noses. We do this, I suspect, because we're conditioned to desire the spectacular, typically expecting to be wowed, thinking we must be treated to a "big show," a sight so awesome we oooh and ahhh in giddy wonder afterwards. What we thus fail to see and appreciate is the breathtaking beauty in the smaller things, the astonishing comeliness in the commonplace.

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps that is true in certain cases. An apple tree in bloom is the most commonplace of sights come spring. But look close—there's nothing ordinary about those familiar blooms. In the end, it doesn't matter what the tree's apples taste like…the fact is, our lives can never be overfilled with beauty.


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14 comments:

Wanda..... said...

On this very same day last year(the 26th), I posted similar apple blossoms and photos of a small dish of Spring Beauty 'potatoes', after learning from you, that they were edible! :)

Grizz………… said...

Wanda…

You know, I remember that, and as I recall, you weren't too taken with the taste of those "Indian potatoes."

I hope things are going well with you and yours and that you and your granddaughter are getting in a few walks between showers.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I would agree with you - there is little more beautiful than apple blossom - our crab apple is almost out. In the same category of beauty I would put the English wild rose - I shall send you a photograph of the first one to bloom here. Exquisite beauty - who cares if the fruit tastes horrible. Lovely photos Grizz.

Cicero Sings said...

You said it ... the beauty in the common place. So often overlooked but so glorious when one bends low to observe.

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

It seems to me an apple blossom in pink and white perfectly embodies the season—and their fragrance is divine.

Being quite partial to roses, I'm looking forward to that English wild rose photo.

Grizz………… said...

Cicero…

Yes, I have a couple of those "bending low" treats coming up…though in the case of the apple blossom, my aching back welcomed the fact that no bending was required to get the shots. But the fact remains, the commonplace is often quite extraordinary.

ellen abbott said...

they are exquisite.

Robin said...

There is so much I love about this post...

This, first...

'responding to the ancient calling of increasing sunlight, feeling the pulse of rising sap, it bursts out with fragrant blooms'.

Then, the last photo, and finally...
the idea of natural delights.

Mine yesterday was perfect raindrops on wine colored smoke trees. A co-worker and I just stood for a moment yesterday and marveled at the simplicity.

Thanks for reminding me.

~R

Grizz………… said...

Ellen…

That's what I realized soon after I began framing and shooting. They are exquisite, indeed. No question.

Grizz………… said...

Robin…

I always think there's just something beyond mere science in the way sunlight resurrects a winter-slumbering tree. We can explain so very much…and yet what is that thing called life that so responds? I'm always cognizant of this natural mystery which, at some point, becomes unfathomable.

Re. the last photo, I kept thinking about leaving it out—but it was just different enough from the others to keep it in. Now I'm glad I did.

Hey, I know exactly what you're talking about with those perfect raindrops on the smoke tree leaves. I have a small smoke tree in the side yard, and I bet I've taken a hundred shots of water droplets on its leaves—though in my case, it was more often dew than rain. Beautiful. And it's just the simplicity of water on a wine-colored leaf waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Tramp said...

Like Weaver I am watching for the crab apple to blossom. For a short period it is king of the semi-wild hedgerow here.
The pear blossom is magnificent here this year: last year there was very little.
...Tramp

Grizz………… said...

Tramp…

Hereabouts, I would guess the blooming appearance of semi-wild trees would be the dogwoods, redbuds, crabapples, redhaws, and service berries—all of which are now blooming profusely.

Kelly said...

...they really are beautiful blossoms! Even if the fruit isn't the best, the spring show is! Stay dry...and let's hope we don't all get blown away tonight.

Grizz………… said...

Kelly…

Yes they are…really beautiful.

I'm dry, the river is still in good shape, and if can just get through the between now and daylight, I think the worst of this record storm system may be over.

However, having been in Xenia years ago just a couple of hours after that incredible F-5 tornado mowed through the town—a mile-wide swath which extended for 32 miles!—I know what such damage looks like, and my heart and prayers goes out to those folks in Alabama and the South.

Take care, be safe.