Lilies of the Field

On By dorahakIn Church, Photography, Poems

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Luke 12:27)

There is no nonsense about them
These increments of light
Sun-warmed stalks and petals,
Reducing to ornate shabbiness, palaces and temples,
Gaudy shacks of industry, mirrors of acquisition
While these Easter-birthed seeds burst otherworldly
All-gathering the vindicating Light
The Being uncanny borne by fragile forms, mortal all,
Sometimes dowdy, bent, dreary,
Sometimes bold, speckled, flashy,
Zealous, winsome, or hard-pressed
Between cracks of broken pavements
Yet there all the same:
Seven thousands of unbowed knees
Introduced by design, awakened, sent out
As an offense to be discarded or tolerated,
Eliciting smile, laughter, scorn, booted heel,
These refugees offering refuge immortal
These exiles rushing homeward
This desire of sun:
These lilies of the field.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. (Psalm 26:3)

[And the LORD said to Elijah:] “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)

Björn at dVerse prompts us to write using a conceit:"A conceit is defined as an extended and complex metaphor that creates that apart from creating an element of surprise. If a metaphor is used to enhance imagery the conceit is better suited to describe an intricate metaphysical or emotional subject." Click on Mr. Linky to read and join in!

Cee's FOTD (Flower of the Day) November 4, 2021: Daisy
Click on any image above for a slideshow. Images ©dorahak

52 thoughts on “Lilies of the Field”

    1. I’m glad you liked it! Thank you, Bjorn, for the great prompt. The poem is a reworking of an earlier one and aligning it with the idea I had in mind was a fun challenge.

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  6. What a fantastic description of the field of lilies. I felt the exhilation and joy from the hands of The Being. I specially adore:
    Seven thousands of unbowed knees
    Introduced by design, awakened, sent out

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  9. I never tire of flowers. These are lovely. And the poem you penned is tops, Dora: These ‘refugees’ prompted by the sun– and they, in turn, offer peaceful refuge to everyone whose eyes fall on them. Flowers bring out the tenderness in people (usually) I loved reading this. It put me in a peaceful place. Thanks.

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    1. Glory be to God for that peaceful place, Selma. Unlike so many things in this world, flowers are there for all of us — wordlessly testifying to the One who created them! Thank you so much for your generous comments.

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  16. These lilies have a windhover-like abandon akin to Hopkins or Oliver – dancing spirit colored light – whose humility is so easily neglected, booted, turned into sterile plastic facsimile. In the conceit the connection between those ideas for me needs a more clarified door. I got lost at “seven thousands unbowed knees” – seed packets? or collective irreverence? But the description of your “Easter-birthed” lilies dazzle and delight.

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    1. Thank you so much, Brendan. Your reading is very much appreciated. The seven thousand is an allusion to a passage in the OT where God assures the prophet Elijah that he has reserved that number for himself who have not bowed their knees to Baal. Perhaps I should have added a footnote, but that would be more Eliot than Hopkins! 🙂

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    2. As you’ve probably seen in my posts, I use Notes a lot. If the phrase or reference isn’t explained enough in the poem, then it should probably be explained elsewhere. Ours is not a very well-read audience, that faculty (of reading) has been largely lost.

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    3. Your notes are very helpful! I know very little of Celtic history or legends. I’ll add the scripture referenced: ambiguity in this poem is not my intent, though I do mean to sound a hieratic note. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. sanaarizvi

    This is absolutely gorgeous writing, Dora! I especially like; “The Being uncanny borne by fragile forms, mortal all/Sometimes dowdy, bent, dreary/Sometimes bold, speckled, flashy/Zealous, winsome, or hard-pressed/Between cracks of broken pavements/Yet there all the same.” 💝💝

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  19. Blessings Dora, surely you are gifted. Loved every bit of this and the ending is so beautiful. “Seven thousands of unbowed knees
    Introduced by design, awakened, sent out
    As an offense to be discarded or tolerated,
    Eliciting smile, laughter, scorn, booted heel,
    These refugees offering refuge immortal
    These exiles rushing homeward
    This desire of sun:
    These lilies of the field.” Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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