‘Kathy McCain’ Water Lily

Water Lilies

by Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)

My whole life is mine, but whoever says so
will deprive me, for it is infinite.
The ripple of water, the shade of the sky
are mine; it is still the same, my life.

No desire opens me: I am full,
I never close myself with refusal-
in the rhythm of my daily soul
I do not desire-I am moved;

by being moved I exert my empire,
making the dreams of night real:
into my body at the bottom of the water
I attract the beyonds of mirrors…

Translated by A. Poulin

I photographed these beauties at the lily ponds at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I also photographed the identification sign of these bright magenta lilies, but I can find no information about this specific variety. Perhaps they are a relatively new hybrid.

I do think the color is quite intense, more so compared to the other tropicals that were in these gardens. I also love the lily pads with the variegated colors – adds a touch of pattern to the simply shaped flower.

—————

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC.