Angel or Devil

      When our group went to Ocala last month, I was fascinated by the abundant blooms of a bunch of Angel Trumpet trees, otherwise known as brugmansia suaveoleus of Brazilian origin. As you probably know, it is poisonous in many of its forms and is used as a entheogen, providing altered states of consciousness, transcendence, and revelation. I did not learn this through experimentation, but through Wikipedia. Shame on me.
      The following are some rough sketches and a partially revised poem that these beauties inspired.

 

Angel’s Trumpet Tree

(Silver Springs Botanical Gardens) 

They say the devil

can turn him self

into the most irresistible

of seductresses.

Like the angel’s trumpet.

She is so enchanting

no mere passerby

can resist her allure.

Certainly not me.

Not here.

Do not touch

written in her fragility.

Be forewarned.

Those who play with fire

will be burned.

(Or with snakes,

bitten, not matter

how strong their faith).

Stand still.

Caress with your eyes

each subtle variation

in color and form. 

Move on.

Enriched by not sated.

Fay Picardi

October 19, 2014

Grant, Florida

Silver River, 10x8 Oil Painting by Carmen Beecher

After getting lost in the woods (perversely, I enjoy those kinds of adventures), Kathy and I finally found this beautiful scene. This river and Silver Springs State Park should be on any nature lover's bucket list. We passed through a gorgeous green swamp (on a boardwalk, of course) to get to the river. I was glad we were alone so I could ooh and ahh as loudly as I wished. Thank goodness Kathy had scoped it all out so we didn't miss this lovely sight.

Carmen