Each second the earth is struck hard
by four and a half pounds of sunlight.
Each second.
Try to imagine that.
No wonder deep shade is what the soul longs for.
And not, as we always thought, the light.
~ Charles Wright, from “In Praise of Thomas Hardy,” A Short History of the Shadow: Poems
Notes:
- Photo Nirav Photography via Mennyfox55. Poem: Thank you memoryslandscape
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.”
on the ropes.
I tend to rather disagree with Charles Wright! But I am the one seeking the shade when too much sun is out and about….
We have a day of typical April weather: Sun, rain, strong winds….. The fluffy bits of melancholy are being cleaned out of the corners of our soul!
The fluffy bits of melancholy are being cleaned out of the corners of our soul!. Love this!
Me, too!
That’s what I feel every time the sun peeks again from behind the clouds – it gets cleaner & lighter every time….. (then it rains on my soul parade again….!)
Fascinating to think of the sunlight having weight…so evocative. Great photo, too, pal…
Yes, agree with all!
Speaking as one who has endured a lot of shadowy days this winter, my vote’s for light. But it is so much brighter after the darkness!
I get it Lakota. I do!
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Simply Amazing Earth and Universe … ‘by four and a half pounds of sunlight.’ … Charles Wright, from “In Praise of Thomas Hardy,” A Short History of the Shadow: Poems
Okay. So… I have never considered the fact sunlight has weight. how fascinating! for me, shade carries weight. the sun the lightness of being.
The sun, the lightness of being. Love that.
I’ve always thought of shade as solace. I don’t know why, but I can relate to Wright’s words, David. Cher xo
Me too Cher. Me too. Thanks.
🙂 xo
I love this. It’s ironic too. When the sun is hiding, we shiver and feel the cold go right to our bones (obviously I mean this winter from hell) and when the sun does come out, we can feel it’s force smacking us. A mostly pleasant smack that reminds us we are all here, part of this earth. Yes, when we can’t take it any longer or need a break, we seek that quiet shade.
Lovely. Always so lovely what you share, David.
Love how you describe this. So reminds me of
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Yes!!
Reblogged this on ram H singhal note book.
very nice and beautiful
it is, thank you Ram
I wonder if anyone caught the look on video or snap chat & posted?
I wonder!