The grass does not refuse
To flourish in the spring wind;
The leaves are not angry
At falling through the autumn sky.
Who with whip or spur
Can urge the feet of Time?
The things of the world flourish and decay,
Each at its own hour.
cited: The Poet Li Po (AD 701- 762) Trans: A Waley, Project Gutenberg
This week’s lens-artists photo challenge is sponsored by Patti.
a meditative journey 
Fabulous poetry and powerful images. A great combination, Brenda.
Thank you Patti. With “safer at home” I am finding more time to explore Chinese poetry.
It’s inspirational, Brenda. Thanks for sharing!
Such a wonderful post Brenda.
Thank you Rupali. Hope you are well and safe.
Love the post… but we want to enjoy summer before we get to autumn 😉
Thank you David. I enjoy reading your comments. Yes, I guess I will feel much better accepting nature’s schedule. 🙂
Wonderful Brenda!!!
Thank you! “Wonderful!” is nice. Please be safe and well
Absolutely love the verse, and your heron on an autumn branch is awesome!
Thank you Tina. I am very grateful to the heron for remaining still. Please be safe and well.
Lovely story through your photos.
Thank you Teresa. It is always great to read encouraging feedback. Please be safe and well.
Autumn 2018 is a beautiful piece of art.
Thank you. Looking back through photo files…amazing nuggets await us.
Great photos. The bird shot (egret? crane?) is superb.
Thank you John. I believe the bird is a crane. I often see them feeding in creeks and ponds. This one was resting in a tree. I’m sure it was waiting for a portrait to be made. 😄
John, correction! blue heron. Whoops!
👍
Beautiful verse – love the heron – and the whole post, Brenda.
Thank you Leya. Wondering if the beauty within nature offers us an antidote to uncertain times…
I am sure it does…
I really enjoyed the poem…. and that second photo….Wow!
I can hear Li Po’s whisper, “Thank you.” I am also grateful that the heron remained still during this time…birds are a challenge to photograph. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Please be safe and well.