You are currently viewing Sunflower Wisdom: Face East All The Livelong Day #poetry
Author's Album, December 2021

Sunflower Wisdom: Face East All The Livelong Day #poetry

Serene
Merry
Sun-drenched
Vibrant

Cheery
Flaming
Brazen
Jovial



attention stoppers
under azure winter sky
sunflowers swaying
***

© 2021 selmamartin.com 

Sunflowers don’t grow in winter, I’ve heard it said, but then on my walk today, I stopped to talk with a cheery bunch that basked under an “O so amazing and broad—up there resplendent, darting and burning” sun. (short quote by Walt Whitman [1819–1892] Leaves of Grass, 1900.)

And then I realized that sunflowers are resilient, and so I share the enthusiasm they gave me and add something I didn’t know:

“Sunflowers in full bloom are not heliotropic, so they do not follow the Sun. The flowerheads face east all day, so in the afternoon, they are backlit by the Sun.”

“Heliotropism notes from Wikipedia

May the knowledge of sunflowers blooming somewhere in Japan bring you a ray of sunlight wherever you may be, however sad you might be feeling.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
I wish you a stress-free December, full of gratitude and giving,
merriment and sunlight.
And to you, who celebrate Christmas in December,
Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays.
If Christmas is not your cup of tea,
I wish you Happy/Super/Joyous December Celebrations
for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice,
the new secular HumanLight,
and any festival or tradition you celebrate
during the dark month of December.
And may there be 
   miracles too.   
Selma Martin
Follow me
Latest posts by Selma Martin (see all)

This Post Has 20 Comments

  1. radhikasreflection

    I can picture their beautiful sway under the blue skies Selma. Beautiful 🌻

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for reading and commenting. They were lovely indeed and I gathered lots of wisdom from them. Be well, dear friend. Happy holidays to you. Stay warm and safe.

  2. Ingrid

    Just the dose of sunshine I needed, Selma! 🌻

    1. Selma Martin

      So glad the dose was just right 🤗 Grateful. xoxoxo

  3. WildChild47

    How surprising and delightful – indeed, a small miracle and/or slice of bright, cheery warmth! How blessed and lucky you are and thank you for sharing this moment with us 🙂 Just spectacular – you’ve made my day with such an intensely bright yellow happy face 😀

    And I’ll take a moment to wish you a most wonderful, festive, joyful, and peaceful holiday season, to you and your family. And of course, nothing but bright blessings and comfort, light, love, happiness and health – especially health, as we inch closer to sweeping out the old year and welcoming in a new one. 💖💕💖

    1. Selma Martin

      I love them as well. Thanks for stopping by. Be well, dear friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

      1. Jeff Flesch

        Most welcome, Selma. Thank you. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

  4. Jane Aguiar

    The sun attracts the attention of sunflowers and sunflowers attract us to please our mind. Nice poem👍🏻 drawing attention like a sun flower.🌻👏👏 xoxo dear

  5. Jaya Avendel

    I love the way you capture the free nature of sunflowers, as in this line: “under azure winter sky . . .” because sunflowers do not bloom in my winter, I am intrigued by the imagery of it.

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for reading and being moved into commenting with your thoughts.
      We don’t have snow until late January but it’s bone chilling and windy. I was surprised to see them standing tall and brightly.
      I appreciate you. Be well. 👏

  6. SamSahana

    Interesting! Never knew about it. Splendid picture and beautiful poetry. You sure have brightened my day with this pretty flower! 🌻

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks Sam. Glad you got something new there. And that the smiling flower lit you up.

  7. Amy Marley

    Wishing you a beautiful Christmas and start to 2022 too… may the sun-flower ever so brightly on your days x 🌻

    1. Selma Martin

      Same to you, sweet mama. May there be serenity in your celebrations. May Happiness and Miracles precede you into the new year. I bless your lovely foursome. xoxo

  8. Selma Martin

    Thanks, Cindy. Much appreciate the visit. Season’s Greetings. xo

Thanks for stopping. Comments mean the world to me. Won't you please leave one?