a hundred sunbeams splintering
We spent a few days of “r ‘n r” at the beach just after Christmas. I can’t explain or reason why being on the beach makes such a difference to me … I can only say I experience the divine while contemplating the ebb and flow of the tide.
The sunsets were amazing – truly the heavens declared the glory of God.
In his poem, A Sunset from Feuilles d’Automne, Victor Hugo writes,
I love the evenings, passionless and fair, I love the evens,
Whether old manor-fronts their ray with golden fulgence leavens,
In numerous leafage bosomed close;
Whether the mist in reefs of fire extend its reaches sheer,
Or a hundred sunbeams splinter in an azure atmosphere
On cloudy archipelagos.
Oh, gaze ye on the firmament! a hundred clouds in motion,
Up-piled in the immense sublime beneath the winds’ commotion,
Their unimagined shapes accord:
Under their waves at intervals flame a pale levin through,
As if some giant of the air amid the vapors drew
A sudden elemental sword …
O contemplate the heavens!
And I say, “Yes!” Let’s gaze on the firmament & contemplate the heavens!
Beth, I love the title of your blog from this poem. It creates such a lovely image. I, too, find the beach compelling, refreshing, soothing… God’s creation draws me much closer to his heart. It makes me want to know him more intimately. I also love to see his handiwork in people, how they change by spending time with him. Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts here.
Bonnie