Calla Lily

November 30, 2023

Calla Lily

Looking down into a calla lily I am reminded of the ear and the mysteries of nature’s designs.

I wonder if the calla lily hears better than I do. I sometimes miss words, and with words, meaning, explanation, and whatever intention words can convey. I wonder what I’m missing. I wonder what I might do differently. And all this wondering eats up my brain and compromises my hearing even more. A bad day leaves me fatigue-laden, dim-witted weary, just gone.

But on a good day, the light is right, I read your lips and put that together with what bits I can hear, and fully appreciate what you’re saying.  

Nature has a cunning way of anticipating what we need to survive: for humans, five senses to perceive and interact with the world around us. If one sense fails, another ramps up. We can choose to direct our attention, even if it may not be easy. Persistent adaptability — the engine that drives evolution — is within us. 

Of course, leveraging alternate senses takes energy. Still, it’s worth it. Connection and understanding emerge to overwhelm loss. When that happens, I find solace. 

So today I’m stepping back, taking a breath, taking a break, and giving thanks.

~ ~ ~

photo: Darleen Wilson