Seeing 2012 (#78)

For your consideration:  a tableau bursting with the vibrant, relentless energy of nature's primary mandate, that of procreation . . . Here it's simultaneously a case of attraction and promotion.

There's scant subtlety in the anatomy in this composition, particularly vis-à-vis the subliminal echo of homo sapiens' corresponding parts.  Yet, a twist presents itself, at least to the botanically uninformed:  the main subject, in this construction's foreground, is the male organ (the anther), while the background form jutting skyward is the female pistil and stigma. 

Ah yes. 

Alas, one suspects the plant world's sexual pursuits live largely in blissful ignorance of the nightmarish machinations which arise in the guise of mammalian Free Will.  For a species that (acutely narcissistically) regards itself as the lofty pinnacle of intelligence and reason, human beings display a marked and deeply disturbing penchant for creating chaos, pain and damage in dogged pursuit of the fleeting release of friction, and something better.  Indeed, in these so-called modern times immediate (and oh-so-temporary) escapist gratification is all-too-often the lingua franca. An entirely counter-productive, far more potent, and ultimately destructive form of friction inevitably follows.

As a desert native I can well-attest to the delusion and potency of mirages, shimmering harbors falsely promising cool relief from the intense heat under one's feet. 'Tis a hollow, dry substitute for the spiritual depth, trust and romantic richness which is the natural reward for persistent unity, mutual encouragement and sustained shared support while trudging amidst the trials and tribulations of life on life's terms.  It's a simple calculus:  healing threads and unexpected strength arise from the genuine bonds built on the foundations forged in sickness and in health, in times for better and for worse.

There's no free lunch. I've learned, and continue to find (the hard way, of course) that the route to true vitality, love and security comes not from the false promises of Atlantis on the horizon but rather by walking firmly hand-in-hand through the steel-tempering fires, slaying the dragons together.  For those willing, the soul takes beautiful flight, a lightness of being which rises above the din and thrusts skyward in joy.

As is nature's design.

Tiger Anther, #8824-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: June 7, 2012; Canon 7D; f/2.8 @ 1/128 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 500;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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