How did it go?
Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers...
How did it go?
How did it go?
- Shel Silverstein
"As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can."
- John Muir
I have heard the language of flowers, but I do not remember how it goes. They must be present to impart their wisdom. I have smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings, but more do I remember their sorrows and their love affairs. I have interpreted the rocks, as they challenged me. I have heard the booming roar of an angry dying glacier, and braved the storm to hear its desolate cry. I feel nearer to the heart of the world with every quiet, searching moment. It is clothed in mystery, but as the veil falls away, I am made of light, bursting with awestruck joy.
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers...
How did it go?
How did it go?
- Shel Silverstein
"As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can."
- John Muir
I have heard the language of flowers, but I do not remember how it goes. They must be present to impart their wisdom. I have smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings, but more do I remember their sorrows and their love affairs. I have interpreted the rocks, as they challenged me. I have heard the booming roar of an angry dying glacier, and braved the storm to hear its desolate cry. I feel nearer to the heart of the world with every quiet, searching moment. It is clothed in mystery, but as the veil falls away, I am made of light, bursting with awestruck joy.