Hidden Beauty


A garden presents a most beautiful sight
When seen from afar in a much broader light,
For there in a setting with all that surrounds,
Its total of beauty and color abounds.

To observe much too closely, study and dwell,
Inspect every flower and leaf very well,
Will quickly cancel the powerful presence
Of unified form with divergent essence.

Then we are bound to observe those objections—
The scattered, meaningless small imperfections
Of petals and blossoms and leaves not so fair;
Lose sight of the wonderful whole that they share.

We can also apply this to those we love,
And sometimes must separate, step back enough,
To view the grand total of gifts which combine
To create an image of balanced design,

And appreciate well those colors which are
A bit subtle up close but strong from afar.
So trite imperfections get lost in the ray
Of the aura of wholeness seen from away.

And so like the grand garden’s totality,
When we stand back to thoroughly look and see,
We will vision with awe a marvelous view…
Total beauty and depth now perceived anew. 


Sandra M. Haight

~1st Place~
Contest: Hidden Beauty
Sponsor: Rhonda Johnson-Saunders
Judged: 02/04/2015

Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop,
a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, 
and partakes of the perfection of the whole.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 9:22 AM
I was reading through garden poems and came across this beauty Sandra. A belated congratulations on your first place win. I have to put this in my faves! 7 ; )
A  Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 10:52 AM
Sandra, Congratulations on the win. *Skat *
Dietrich Avatar
February 6, 2015 at 10:25 PM
How nice the way you reflected Emerson's thoughts with your beautiful writing, dear. BIG congrats on your win.
Haight Avatar
February 8, 2015 at 5:29 PM
Andrea, thank you so much for your positive comments. I really value them so much. Hugs, Sandra
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 5, 2015 at 7:49 AM
I am so happy this wonderful poem is in first place Sandra. Big congratulations!
Haight Avatar
February 5, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Thank you, Connie, for your support and nice comment! Hugs, Sandra
Callus Avatar
February 5, 2015 at 2:03 AM
This is excellent, Sandra...there is beauty everywhere, although many fail to notice its existence. Even 'imperfections' have their good points. Lovely metaphor and rhyme. Congrats on being first in this contest. // paul
Haight Avatar
February 8, 2015 at 5:34 PM
Thank, Paul. for your much valued comments and congrats. I really appreciate it. Sandra
Guzzi Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 8:39 PM
A well done #1 polished to perfection! Congrad's Light & Love
Haight Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 9:04 PM
Thank you, Debbie. I really appreciate your supportive comment and congrats! Hugs, Sandra
Allison Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 11:21 AM
So so beautiful Sandra - sorry I missed commenting on this earlier:-) many congrats:-) Hugs Jan xxx
Haight Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 6:30 PM
Hi Jan, thank you for stopping by with your comment and congrats! I really appreciate it. Hugs, Sandra
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 20, 2015 at 12:37 PM
Your poem is so beautiful in content and imagery with the nuance of metaphorical meanings embraced as well! I see this one coming in as a number one! A fantastic entry Sandra, that I am fav'ing! #7
Haight Avatar
January 21, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Hi Connie, I really appreciate your stopping by with your positive comment and support. Thank you so much. Hugs, Sandra
Kendrick Avatar
January 20, 2015 at 6:29 AM
Enjoyed reading your contest entry..The couplets are wonderful in rhyme and rhythm..I am glad that I chose this one to read today..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Haight Avatar
January 21, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Thank you so much, Sara. I always appreciate your nice comments. Hugs, Sandra
Nance Avatar
January 19, 2015 at 8:22 PM
Wonderful, you have a spectacular way with words! Always a pleasure reading you!
Haight Avatar
January 21, 2015 at 11:38 AM
Casarah, thank you so much for your encouraging comment on my poem. It means a lot to me. Hugs, Sandra
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