A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness—
O, Wilderness were Paradise enow!
Some for the Glories of This World; and some
Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to come;
Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go,
Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!
Look to the blowing Rose about us—'Lo,
Laughing,' she says, 'into the world I blow,
At once the silken tassel of my Purse
Tear, and its Treasure on the Garden throw.'
And those who husbanded the Golden grain
And those who flung it to the winds like Rain
Alike to no such aureate Earth are turn'd
As, buried once, Men want dug up again.
-Omar Khayyam (translated by E. Fitzgerald)
Okay, there's my simple Valentine's Day sentiment. Before I went Googling for the exact poem, all I knew was the 'jug of wine, loaf of bread, and thou' business; which I thought was a pretty simple set of needs. I had done most of the work on the illustration already when I looked up the actual words, so I didn't bother to go back and set it 'underneath the Bough,' or amidst 'the blowing Rose.'
You folks more knowledgable than I may have known the whole poem (which goes on quite a ways from where I left off) and the fact that Omar was a Persian poet who lived during the 11th century. Mr. Fitzgerald translated some of his works in the 1800s, and he enjoyed a fair share of posthumous fame. ...Well, maybe you can't actually posthumously enjoy something... but, anyway his poetry was being recited again.
Be nice to your Valentine on Tuesday. If you don't have one, please spread some good will to someone else. Peace to all of you
postscript: Whoa. Just posted to IF, and I see that there are already over 300 entries on the topic... and it's only Sunday morning (in this part of the world). So much art, and so little time to view it all.
36 comments:
I love the translated words "Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go". A better said reminder to enjoy basking in the moment rather than waiting for the promised future, and missing the present.
Your illustration is wonderful...simple yet complex. Especially paired with Omar's Googled words.
I forgot to add that I like it a lot that you had TWO glasses in your illustration. Sharing is good.
Just as long as it's not Wonder bread and hooch! Seriously, Omar Khayyam ceratinly had the inside track on the simplest of human needs (and was he St. Valentine in disguise?) and you've illustrated them perfectly. (And yes, IF no longer has that intimate feeling -- so easy to get intimidated by the list and not casually visit anyone any more because of it ... sigh ...)
It is no longer a simple matter to visit the various entries each week...it is actually a full time job! I have to count on the recognition factor to make sure I at least visit my "friends" (which includes you, of course:>). Anyway, I love this...it it not only a warm and intimate image, it also evokes an idea I like very much. In fact, I am busily baking bread and making soup so that my Valentine and I can enjoy some thou-ness this evening as the snow falls...it looks like almost 2 feet and still going strong! Enjoy your Valentine's Day in sunny CA:>
Good and simple.Very nice!
Yes, I agree, there are so many many illustrators than when I first began doing the 'Friday Illos'. No, I can't keep up with them all, either;) So I just look for my favorites. But I'm gonna remember 'Twisselman' as one of my favorites. I took a look at all your posted illos and like them all.
Yes, IF used to be simple, to view the art. Now hordes of submissions!
I really love the look and feel of your simple theme, it is perfect and reminds us of the essence of who we are and what we need! Very beautiful and insightful!!!
p.s. i had ducks years ago and i know exactly what you mean...
Happy Valentines Day Twisselman!
my mind is already wandering looking at your illustration. it has a wonderful effect on me, a feeling of some feeling i had in the past-like it was some kind of memory that i wanted to reminisce, smell and just linger on.
That was a sentimental poem. The painting is very nice, I like the feeling of old Dutch painters in the subject and the colours. Simple joys of life.
This is truly breathtaking! I love the ray of light shining down and the darkness around the edges. Very striking. Great poem and interpretation.
Happy hearts to you!
Great quote, I don't know that one. I see the Twisselman light! Simple things are so earthing and splendid in themselves. Peace with peas. ...::)
I like the feeling I get from viewing this. It has an aura about it, and I swear I can smell the sweet fragrance of the wine, and butterey flavor of the bread. love the light.
Viewing the multiple IFs isn't simple any more ... like Katili your image reminds me of the Dutch Masters :) Art speaks for itself ....
wonderful illustration and beautiful poem. I learn so much from this group. Everyone has expanded my horizon. have a great valentine day
What a beautiful illustration...and, the poem was pretty neat too! I really love the light coming through the window! Your pieces always inspire me!
I'll take that jug of wine and down it. Looks like it'll quench my thirst.
Lovely post, most heartfelt.
Making my tummy rumble also...must go make toast and make a toast to this lovely post.
Really great! Glowing colors.
Smoches,
The Tart
"...Well, maybe you can't actually posthumously enjoy something... "
hihi, let´s ask Sartre about that.
if you add grapes and cheese, it is my favored simple joy - your drawing sparks warmth, and the poem tastes good, too.
I'm glad you included the poem... with the book, I had some concern this was going to be more of a communion/religion/orthodoxy image. I didn't know about the tassels. I like tassels.
Wonderful stuff!
love
I love this idea, and you've illustrated it beautifully. I also liked your thoughts on Valentine's day, and being kind to another person even if you don't have someone special to share the day with. It's a lovely thought, and one that people like myself who do have someone can still be mindful of and take part in. Thanks!
Nice work. I am on a low carb diet and that loaf of bread is looking mighty tasty to me right about now.
Happy Valentine's Day to you.
That was a treat to read on this here valentines morn! Nicely illustrated, captured the feeling!
Beautiful job.
Very nice,Twiss!I only knew the one line of the poem...nice to see more of it! I've not been able to spend a lot of time on I.Fri lately...and yes, it's overwhelming how many entries there are now.I feel lost! Happy Valentines Day to you!
I love the intimacy in this image. Two glasses.
The smell of fresh bread...hot from the oven.
A cold afternoon... snuggled up next to that one you love.
How gorgeous....you really have a way with lighting in your illustrations, something I find very difficult to portray acurately. This is a great entry, Twisselman. What a good choice of text. Thanks also for visiting my "simple" entry. There are soooo many entries to visit, so I appreciate your taking the time to come to my blog. I recently added an icon to mine hoping that would make my name more memorable. I pray Penelope comes through with the thumbnail site soon. It seems as though it's been months since she took up a collection for it!
Positively glowing! The message simply resonates!
worth a visit always here
thanks for sharing
lovely image
always a delight to visit your site.
so romantic and peaceful.
love your style.
the link at the Cheap Tart's blog is so cool.
what a great artist. thanks fm me too!
come by to read the new miss pretty story...bring blackie
nice illo and post, great entry!
In those days sanitation wasn't very good and clean running water didn't exist, so wine was what most people drank instead. Lovely illustration and writing. I love the effects in the background.
Very nice works !
Simply beautiful!
Nicely done - thanks for sharing a simple feast with us in words and imagery. Beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words on my blog. Have been through some of your other work and love it! Great job.
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