Of Sunflowers, Blake and California Wildfires

Ah Sunflower! weary of time,

Who contests the steps of the Sun:

Seeking after that sweet golden clime

Where the travelers journey is done.

Where the Youth pined away with desire,

And the pale Virgin shrouded in snow:

Arise from their graves and aspire

Where my sunflower wishes to go.

William Blake

Notice the sky in the background, heavy with smoke from the California wildfires. Over 12,000 lightning strikes caused hundreds of fires, scorching millions of acres in the last week. As dry and hot conditions continue, thousands of firefighters are struggling to contain the fires that are threatening to raze more homes. We need blessed rain. And more people who care about our planet to stem the tide of climate change.

Have you heard the story of Apollo and Clytie? According to Greek mythology, Clytie, a nymph, adored Apollo but he fell out of love with her when he met Leucothoe. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Clytie told Leucothoe’s father about her relationship with Apollo and he punished his daughter by burying her alive. This enraged Apollo and he turned Clytie into a flower. Even as a flower Clytie continued to love Apollo that she spent her days gazing at him as he moved the sun across the sky. That’s the reason why sunflowers follow and turn their faces towards the sun. “Love endures all things.”

More California sunshine.

*****

Images by TravelswihCharie

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