The flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow dies;
All that we wish to stay
Tempts and then flies.
What is this world’s delight?
Lightning that mocks the night,
Brief even as bright.*
*This is the first stanza of The Flower that Smiles Today by Percy Shelley, one of my favourite poems. Read the entire poem and a brief analysis here.
And a favourite quote:
“Man’s life is brief and transitory, Literature endures forever.”
― Rory Stewart, The Places in Between
Flowers of primary colours: travel theme by wheresmybackpack.com
Photos: jenniferkellandperry.com
Jennifer's Journal 
Life is indeed momentaneous, Annika, and yet, framed this elbow room, it helps us to apprise it all the more. gorgeous pictures to match endearing words Jennifer.
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Thank you! Don’t know why I’m just seeing your comment three years later. Sorry!
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Life is but a vapor. Beautiful photos!
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Indeed it is. Thanks for visiting my blog today!
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You’re welcome!
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Stunning poem sounds a little like Shakespeare to me I feel like I have heard it or read it somewhere Jennifer and the message is clear life, love and everything is but for a short while. I intend to soak it up and enjoy every moment as do you.
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It holds an important lesson for us all. Soak up those special moments as long as we can.
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Beautiful poem, Jennifer and one to treasure – life is so fleeting. Thank you for introducing it to me! The photos are lovely, sparkle with light and clarity! 😀❤️
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Life is indeed fleeting, Annika, and yet, framed this way, it helps us to appreciate it all the more. Thank you! 🙂
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So true! A good reminder 💕💚
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Absolutely, Karen!
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Lovely excerpt of the poem, Jennifer, with the images to go with it. I hadn’t heard the Stewart quote before. Lovely. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. That quote is something for writers to hold on to, don’t you think?
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Gorgeous pictures to match lovely words Jennifer.
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Thank you, Andrea. Those words are an inspiration.
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Oh so nice
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Thanks, Joanne.
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Everything passes and changes. It’s quite freeing to embrace the impermanence and appreciate all the moments we have. I love the photos Jennifer 💛
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Exactly, Val. I didn’t always think that way, but I do now. Thanks!
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The years bring experience and hopefully insights and wisdom. Thank you Jennifer ♥️
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I can see why that’s one of your favorite poems, Jennifer. It’s really beautiful as are the photos!
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Beautiful, even though it imparts a harsh truth. Thanks, Jill.
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So much life comes and goes quickly. If I back up and get a broader lens on life, whole species come and go. Amazing world, this Earth!
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Isn’t that the truth? Our world is ever changing, and we are here for such a brief interval!
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