Tuesday, October 18, 2011

DAWN AND HER ROSY FINGERS

My first encounter with Homer was reading The Iliad over one adolescent summer.  Perhaps I was 11 or 12 years old at the time?  From that moment on, I was captive to Greek epic poetry and the epithets Homer ascribed to every character.

Forever etched into my imagination was his description of Eos, the goddess of Dawn:

"Young Dawn, with rosy-tipped fingers"


Our plum tree, brushed by the
rosy-tipped fingers of Dawn


These autumn days, I awaken to darkness. But I don't mind.  It gives me the privilege of seeing Dawn's rosy-tipped fingers caressing the sky as I warm up with my cup of coffee.

I wonder what sobriquet or epithet you would like to depict you?

28 comments:

  1. this is wonderful. I rarely take time to watch dawn and it is a shame...

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  2. You've read Homer when you were 11 or 12? Wow, I was more into astronomy back then. Thanks for sharing this lovely description of the dawn and nice pic as always.

    I'm getting up pre-dawn too, but I don't see the sunrise, since I'm working in a big industrybuilding, meaning I only get to see the sun during the breaks or after work.

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  3. @San, don't get me wrong, I was totally into astronomy like a lot of adolescents too! In fact, my preferred career at the time would have been astro-physicist ballerina ;-) But I do owe it to my parents for passing on a lifelong love of Homer and the classics. I ended up reading Homer again in my 20s which gave me more context and a deeper appreciation for his epic poetry.

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  4. I have to dig into my humanistic studies....then it would be....crazy as a horse...hahaha...I am kidding. I would rather use something form Virgilio but I cannot find the word in english for Arpia, you know the half woman, half vulpture creatures?

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  5. wonderful picture. i love the words here.

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  6. @Francesca, I am doubled over laughing. I believe you are referring to Virgil's Harpies!!!

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  7. I too being a fan of epic Greek poetry loved this post. Tomorrow I am going to look at the dawn and think of Eros!

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  8. Yes, "rosy tipped fingers" is a lovely gentle image. I've just been reading a fascinating book called "Language through the Looking glass" which talks at some length about Homer's depiction of colour. Most surprising, and helped me understand the reference to the "wine dark sea".

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  9. By the way I keep meaning to say that your Google Follower list doesn't appear. I prefer to follow on Google, if poss.

    I know the followers list on Blogger has been flaky for years, and I think the way to fix it is to mention it on the Help forum, whereupon someone from Blogger will fix it. (there doesn't seem to be any other way! :)

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  10. wow.. amazing. thanks for sharing

    xx

    www.sickbytrend.com

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  11. i am staring and staring at the beautiful hues in the sky and how they blend each other..i was breaking things around the house when i was 11. we lived in a joint family then in a 4 storey house,so there were a lot of things to break..jokes aside i was really into painting back then and i often attempted to capture the sky at either sunset or sunrise..."rosy-tipped fingers of the dawn"-beautful words

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  12. and i also should let you know how much what you said means to me.you are the 1st i connected with on blogger i remember and i have tried to gauge as much about you as i can from your posts..and i admired all that i saw and read...i would really like to see what you share about yourself because that's what 1 of the awards i passed on to you entails.don't forget :) ..waiting :))

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  13. It's the most magical hour, and ONCE this summer I managed to get up early enough to take photos. These days I just blink through the window and think: I should.... [yawn]. It's still beautiful though :)

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  14. hi thanks for your sweet comment on my latest post : actually these photos were not taken in Auvergne but in the Alps so not too far from Arles indeed. you're a good observer ;)

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  15. I love your positivity that describes our dark mornings.
    There are a few places in London that have black phone boxes. I dont know why. They seem to near business areas though like the City or here which is beside the Institute of Directors. There are not many phone boxes at all these days (red or black) as everyone has mobile phones they are becoming less and less necessary. Xxxx

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  16. such a beautiful site. perfect way to start a morning off. amazing post, love. if you get a second, please check out my JewelMint photo shoot. Love to hear what you think. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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  17. Ok, now I absolutely have to set off and read the Iliad.
    'Rosy tipped fingers' somehow reminds me of one of my favorite lines of autumn-themed poetry, from Keats' Ode to Autumn: "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness..."

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  18. Love the image and words. Autumn is a time of awakening for me and the lines of Robert Frost resonate with me most at this time: "I've got promises to keep...And miles to go before I sleep"

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  19. Love the picture! The Iliad and the Odyssey? Love it!

    Love! ~Angel

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  20. Greek mythology is really magical! to be honest it has been ages since I haven't read the Iliad and the Odyssey but you have reminded to me perhaps I should read it again! Lovely photo! Have a lovely weekend my dear friend. x

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  21. My alcoholic Latin teacher at prep school scarred me for life against Homer but I adored Metamorphosis! Thank you for your comment they're always so interesting. So cool that you're a fan of Degas, I don't know very much about him but my favourite from that exhibition was a rehersal painting. Like you said, it was the most interesting because they were performing such great movements in such a regular space. (The ballerinas were on top of a piano).

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  22. Wow, this photo is so beautiful! I would like to have in it my living room :) it's really artistic!
    I haven't read it.. But maybe I should, it sounds pretty good!

    XOXO
    Steffy / http://www.bohemian-bubbles.com/

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  23. I hope your husband is enjoying the book. I have resolved to read more by its author - he has such a light touch (as well as being impressively knowledgable). I still can't see your followers, but try to remember to check your blog at decent intervals! :)

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Dear Fellow Aesthetes, I love hearing your thoughts. I think the other readers find them valuable too! Much love xxx

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