Poetry, Photography, Ephemerality

The Blinking Eyes of Lotuses

Musings on the brevity of life

Petal by petal, they unfurl into the light, rising from the muck of brackish waters and opening into purity.

Without the substrate of the earth and her tears they have nothing to transcend.

From beginning to end, their life breath condenses into just a gasp — an ephemeral sip of mortality, so short, so fast, so quick to die.

But how do we really measure time?

Through the blinking eye of the lotus?

Or in the mind of the beholder?

In Eastern Philosophy, the lotus flower symbolizes purity and goodness emerging from the muck and mud of daily life. Their waxy petals repel the very waters from which they are birthed. And yet, without being rooted in those waters, they could not exist. The contrast between water and air, earth and breath, ephemerality and permanence, is essential to their very existence.

Erika Burkhalter is a yogi, neurophilosopher, cat-mom, photographer, and lover of travel and nature, spreading her love and amazement for Mother Earth’s glories, one photo, poem or story at a time. (MS Neuropsychology, MA Yoga Studies).

You might also enjoy:

If you enjoyed this piece, you might consider subscribing to my stories. You’ll get an alert whenever a story gets published. While I do normally post my stories with free “friends” links on social media, if you enjoy reading on medium, you can help the many talented writers here by joining (that’s my affiliate link). It helps to support the arts and to keep us writing!

And, because I’ve had a few people asking lately, if you’re ever interested in purchasing a photo, just leave me a note.

Photos and story ©Erika Burkhalter. All rights reserved.