The Mind cupboard

 Dear Reader,

Daffodils  (genus Narcissus) have a rich history, linked to Greek myth (Narcissus) and Roman introduction to Britain where they were thought to have healing powers before becoming a major commercial crop in the 19th century, particularly in Cornwall, symbolizing rebirth, hope and new beginnings across cultures.

The botanical name for the daffodil is narcissus, named after a young man known for his beauty in Greek mythology who was tricked into falling in love with his own reflection.  The drooping flowers that characterize most daffodils are said to represent Narcissus bending over to catch his own reflection in a pool of water.

The name derives from the Greek 'narco' which is the root of the word narcotic.  The etymology probably relates to the daffodil's toxicity - all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Daffodils have inspired writers, poets and artists through the centuries.  A favourite flower among romantic poets, they were immortalized by Wordsworth in his poem 'Daffodils" one of the most famous  poems in the English language. 

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I put the poem 'The Mind Cupboard" on the blog in the middle of the week as I thought it appropriate in the New Year.  As many readers agreed with me I have left in on for one more week.  

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From Samuel Pepys   January 1st  1667 in London  

'Lay long, being a bitter, cold, frosty day, the frost being now grown old, and the Thames covered in ice.'

 

From Thomas Hardy  January 2nd   1886 in Dorset

'Cold weather brings out upon the faces of people the written marks of their habits, vices, passions, and memories, as warmth brings out on paper a writing in sympathetic ink.' 

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The Mind Cupboard

 

 

 

My mind cupboard overflows

with unwanted debris.

It needs a spring clean.

 

I will brush away the cobwebs

of cheerless thoughts.

Scrub out the stains of childhood.

 

I will replace the brass hooks

corroded with salt tears,

empty all the screams

hoarded through the years.

 

I will replace the accumulated ashes

from the worn shelf-paper,

with virgin tissue.

 

I will chase and catch the wasps,

relieve them of their stings.

I will refill this cupboard

with love, and learnt, brighter things.

 

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With very best wishes, Patricia