The Silent Witness
Ornamental wisteria
clambers pendulously upward,
my gargoyled fingers steady
as creamy vanilla
intoxicates young lovers
seeking refuge
beneath my resplendent canopy.
Reflected nearby are azalias,
red, and lurking danger,
reminiscent of a time past,
of desperation silently contained
beneath weeping moss
as I, beholden to no master,
provided a meeting place
for anxious footsteps
heading toward freedom.
My roots continue to grow,
deep, my limbs outstretched,
history's silent sentinel.
by Margaret Bednar, 11-09-2012
These are photos I took about four years ago of Charleston, SC. I adore this city, find it nostalgic and romantic, which always conflicts with my horror of slavery. I LOVE the living oak trees, find them to be mysterious and wish they could speak of all the beauty and ugliness they have seen. The above tree frames some of the rehabilited slave quarters on Magnolia Plantation.
This is linked to the challenge for Imaginary Garden of Real Toad's "Transforming Friday" where we were to take the point of view of plant or wildlife that inhabits the Temperate Forest.
Below is an excellent video of the gardens and birds of Magnolia Plantation:
and the next one is a bit longer, but does give a bit of history and glimpses inside the home as well as the property.
23 comments:
Just flat beautiful.
Beautiful. I was so surprised when I visited Savannah and plants that were small scrubs here were almost trees there.
So beautiful, it aches. Splendid artistry throughout.
Grand photos and your words as well.
I, too, love Charleston. I was fortunate to spend a week there with MESDA twenty years ago. Doors were open to homes into which no mere mortal has set foot. Fabulous!!!!
What a pity the cruises dock there now. Ruining the city. Just Carnival tourists everywhere, the locals, spooked, have disappeared like ghosts.
What a wonderful post this is, Margaret!
I absolutely LOVE the wisteria. It is simply gorgeous!
Margaret!!! As always your images and eye for capturing them amaze me!!
The first portion just took my breath away and I love the title of "The Silent Witnes," so true!!
The use of the words gargoyled fingers and clambers pendulously upward...I just love these!!
Very well composed, Margaret. Thank you for transforming this Friday! :)
The middle photo is especially breathtaking, with red tones and reflections. Stunning, kiddo. I especially love "for anxious footsteps heading toward freedom"....and appreciate your comments about those days, not so long ago, of slavery.
Just beautiful photos, Margaret. I really need to visit Charleston. And the poems are lovely too - you make me very conscious of the wonderful sounds of all those flower words, and their lush textures in the mouth (as well as in the mind.)
I appreciate your kind comments.
K.
Superb pictures ~ I like idea of those trees as silent sentinel...what stories they can tell us indeed ~
That top picture is just so stunning as are your words.
Brilliant.
My second time here, and I am so impressed with your combined talents! Your photos and GORGEOUS. I saw many of these when we visited SoCal and Northern California. The hibiscus, wisteria, even the smallest fern was precious to me. And lantanna growing in a front yard! I started to miss living in CA until I remembered the earthquakes!
Peace, Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/11/09/the-sweetest-presence/
Such a gorgeous mix of pictures and poetry1
Wow ... beautiful words and pictures !!!
Took my breath away poem and photos, just stunning.
So beautiful....Margarett, your photos are gorgeous! I never get tired of looking at your blog.
As you know, these wisteria inspired me a lot! And I think to surprise you soon
I love the way you tied the tree's tale to history. It reminds me that trees out-live man, and should be cared for and preserved by the successive generations.
Gorgeous photos! What a beautiful place--made haunting by the ugliness it has also seen.
Beautiful photography, Margaret. And your words did them justice!
Beautiful photography...love the companion videos. Your words speak of the wonder of this gorgeous place.
Wisteria is the perfect plant to use as an avatar here--it has a very forceful personality, and it suits your musings on the city, as it's incredibly gorgeous when in bloom, and quite ugly in its invasiveness, with thrusting, naked stalks that strangle other plants and even, I was told once by an amazed lady, can grow through siding and into attics. Your pictures, as always, make me feel I should never even try to take another photo! ;_) Enjoyed this much.
Stunning photography ... enhanced by the beautiful poetry!
How much that sentinel embraces, (s)he who has never known a master but has known many furtive meetings! I like the contrast of new ornamental wisteria and ancient azalea, the one needing sun, the other shade. O history and presence! Your photography invites me in as much as do the words of your poem.
You've just reminded me of why the South can be so beautiful, Margaret, in spite of its history: wisteria and magnolias!
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