Not until today did I have the pleasure of reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (originally The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere); the longest major poem by the
English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It was written in 1797–1798 and published
in 1798 in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads.
"Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink." *
Goodness, I’m forever indebted to the knowledge that this poem exists. It’s fairly
long–30+ minutes long, but here, I’ll share the YouTube video, narrated by Ian McKellan that will have you contemplating many things about the state of “things” today. Enjoy when you can–the thirty minutes will be well worth it. Promise.
”O let me be awake, my God!
Or let me sleep alway.”
*
I’ll leave you with a short one for this Friday, Friends–a beautiful short video
narrated by David Attenborough that made me teary-eyed too: The Reunion
of the Albatross. It’s 3 minutes and 43 seconds long.
This one honors love as we know it, and informs the title. Please enjoy.
Interesting Facts:
Albatrosses live much longer than other birds; they delay breeding for longer and invest more effort into fewer young. Most species survive upwards of 50 years, the oldest recorded being a Laysan albatross named Wisdom that was ringed in 1956 as a mature adult and hatched another chick in 2017, making her at least 66 years old then. She is the oldest confirmed wild bird as well as the oldest banded bird in the world. Albatrosses reach sexual maturity quite late (after about five years) and even then they may not breed for another couple of years (up to 10 years for some species). Young ‘non-breeders’ spend many years practicing elaborate breeding rituals and ‘dances’. Birds begin to develop the stereotypical behaviours that comprise albatross language, but their ability to fully understand this language needs time to develop. After a period of trial and error learning, the young birds learn the syntax and attempt to perfect the dances. The repertoire of behaviour involves synchronised performances of various actions such as preening, pointing, calling, bill clacking, staring, and combinations of such behaviours (like the sky-call). A young bird may dance with many partners, but after a number of years the number of birds an individual will interact with drops, until one partner is chosen and a pair is formed. They then continue to perfect an individual language that will eventually be unique to that one pair. Having established a pair bond that will last for life. We’ve found this beautiful film, (The reunion of the Albatross) narrated by the wonderful David Attenborough. Source: https://www.paireducation.co.uk/single-post/2017/07/10/a-pair-of-love-birds
Thank you so much for reading today.
Thank you for your valuable support.
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I hope this message finds you well. I recently came across your post titled “If Love Exists In Nature, Surely This Must Be It,” and I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing such beautiful reflections. Your mention of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and the poignant lines you quoted resonated deeply.
The inclusion of the YouTube videos, narrated by Ian McKellan and David Attenborough, added a multimedia dimension to your post that I found enriching. The themes of love, the passage of time, and the unique behaviors of albatrosses provided a thought-provoking and emotional experience.
I appreciate the interesting facts about albatrosses and how they develop unique languages and pair bonds for life. It’s fascinating to learn about the intricacies of their behavior and the longevity of these magnificent birds.
Thank you for curating such a thoughtful and emotionally impactful piece. It’s evident that your writing is not just a collection of words but a genuine reflection of your appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.
Looking forward to more of your insightful posts.
What a lovely comment you gifted me. Thanks for appreciating my efforts.
I love life. The joy of love’s purity is something I wish for all to experience.
I couldn’t turn off the glow (internal) that seeped through me from watching that clip and finally meeting the albatross poem mentioned.
Thank you. Sending you blessings. Xoxo
Thanks for this most beautiful reminder. If only we could learn from nature. Better yet if we could take better care of nature so she can continue to give us these beautiful stories.
Nature is a wise one. We best be paying attention. Thanks for appreciating this, Dawn. I bless you.
So wonderful video 🌹🙏👍🏻 this two birds 🦢 love affection scene amazing 🤩
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely post 👏👌well wishes dear friend 💐💕
I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed it. The short clip warmed me up. Blessings.
Thank you so much for this lovely feed back 🌹🙏💖 so well wishes 😍
💕💕💕
🙏:)
beautiful
So glad to know you enjoyed this, Beth. Thanks for the comment. Xoxo
What wonderful photography – capturing the sentiments of the pair.
I think so too. I often wonder how they capture these stories for us. A lovely story indeed. Thanks, VJ. Blessings.
Welcome, Selma
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Very nice & lovely story tailing of title of If Love Exists In Nature, Surely This Must Be. So great video this two birds love & between understanding eachother. This a symbolic of love birds. Nice you share the post.
Raj, so pleased to know how much you enjoyed this. Your excitement—I felt it. 🫂 be well, dear friend. Blessings.
Welcome my dear friend ☺️! 🙋, Thanks, Selma!my pleasure 👍
Ahhh Ian McKellan and David Attenborough, you need not say anymore, Selma. However, I am grateful for the information about the albatross. They are amazing animals. I love learning something new.
I saved the one narrated by Ian McKellan for some listening tomorrow morning. Thank you for sharing, Selma. 🙂
I value your support. So happy this one was well received, dearest Maria. Xoxo
💋😘
Thanks for all the information Selma. Birds are endlessly fascinating. (K)
I knew you’d appreciate this one, bird lady. Blessings.
So moving !!
Awesome poem and reading
Thanks Sadje. Xoxo
You’re most welcome
A favourite poem of mine, Selma –
glad you have discovered and enjoyed it!
It’s the longest poem that ever captured me so. Each stanza enthralling.
I bet you have it memorized, Ingrid. Wow! Amazing. The imagery and language mesmerized me.
I totally entered the poem.
So happy to have landed here.
Once I thought The Lady of Shallot was the longest poem I enjoyed, but this one about the Ancient Mariner tops that.
Glad I found one of your faves.
🙏 blessings.
This is a beautiful poem but I knew it would be because the title says it all. Love it.
You’re so sweet. 🥹 thanks so much. Happy serene holidays. Make them serene. Blessing you
You are more than welcome! Happy Holiday to you my friend.