Poet. Writer. Photographer.
I have been absolutely entranced and obsessed with the changing eucalyptus leaves in my backyard. I pass a lot of time observing and listening to them through my lens. I know the poetry each one heart-strums inside me, but no words could ever do these images justice. I will let the poetry speak directly to you instead, for so personal and intimate to me are what these leaves and tree portray… I hope you can see and hear it, too, as it pertains to you. ❤
Sunflowers in the sand
baffle my preconceived notions,
such a traditional earthy flower
sprouting alongside the ocean.
It draws me in,
such an unexpected sight,
yellow-bursting heads,
mini-suns against the muted,
so bold and bright.
So many thoughts
beyond the beauty
begin to orbit
in my mind.
I am reminded
of childhood,
encouraged to
color in the book
true to experienced life,
don’t make the sun blue,
stay within the lines,
learn early
to close your mind.
Sunflowers in the sand
seem to defy,
toss their heads proudly
yet their humility
roots a portrait
symbolic of choosing
one’s own path
and life.
People on the beach
pass by,
seem oblivious
to the mini-miracles
and massive messages
that entrance
and shape me
from the inside.
And that is the difference
between the photographer-poet
and the others:
we see beneath and beyond,
we hear the whispers.
We capture it in the lens
and ink-dipped pens
and present it back to you,
artfully gifting
a beautiful impression,
another perspective,
a deeper connection,
hoping you’ll pause
long enough for
reflection.
Sunflowers in the sand
should never be overlooked.
You would never find them
in a coloring book.
Poem and image ©LauraDenise
minute details extraordinaire
captivate with their shape
patterns enticing the iris
whisper enchantment
lead the way
opening portals
to fairy worlds
offering wisdom pearls
when petals unfurl
glorious creation underfoot
under-appreciated
so often overlooked
mindfulness, lack of speed
photographer’s lens steady underneath
is granted access to the kingdom
not so secret
but gifted to those who simply
seek it
so much is lost
to height
get down and lost
in the wonder of
wildflowers in the light
About this photoshoot: Did you know I usually have the leash of a large, wild puppy in my other hand while photographing? Here are some photobombs by him (but also cute)…
My teenaged daughter is also a photographer (and has a MUCH better camera than me). I love to sneak pictures of her taking pictures, especially in that same golden light…
Here are the patches of weeds/wildflowers from a distance…
I feel powerful
when I position the sun
and have it rest
newly hatched
in a tree-top nest
in the foreground of the
blue beyond.
We all have that power,
you know,
not just photographers.
The light is always present.
It is us who turns away
and back again,
spinning and revolving
on our individual and shared axes.
In the palm of our hands
is the glow we can hold
of either the sun or the moon
with a simple perspective shift.
Reach for it now
with both hands
and gently cradle it.
Let it soak in
to your soul
and light every dark
corner.
We can all
hold it at once,
even share it.
The light is ever-present.
Restore your mental energy
with it.
Poem and image ©LauraDenise
Laura Denise 