The flame tree is a famous fixture in the world of Kenya lore. Beautiful red-orange blossoms sit at its top - maybe 40 to 60 feet from the ground. The only time you can see the flowers up close is when they fall to the ground. (The trunk is not good for climbing, as the lowest limbs are about 15 to 20 feet from the ground.) When the blossoms fall to the ground, their vitality is already gone.Ephemera is one of my favorite words - the fleetingness of an experience.
I am sure that if I had time to think about it, there are analogies to life in this small tale. But today - I don't have that luxury.
4 comments:
Oooh, deep thoughts with Paul Merrill...
Deb just bought a new book: You Can Sketch: A Step-by-step Guide for Absolute Beginners, and is working on flowers. I introduced her to your ephemera...
Saw your interest in the beautiful flame tree - also a personal favorite for its meaning and vibrance. Can't say my piece on it is much more than a personal reflection --- but it is, at the least, that:
http://www.heatheronthenet.com/dVoes/C9C11FDF-2F28-43CC-9A28-0ACD9B380DC2.html
Heather
I love flame trees. They are throughout Australia too. Beautiful.
Paul, nice blog I’m from Kenya but currently in ATL, you just made my day. I couldn't stop laughing! Very nice..
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