Sunday, January 24, 2010

Two Ancient Lovers

What do trees have to do with a long and happy marriage?

There is the mythic tale of Baucis and Philemon

A humble elderly couple visited by two gods in disguise

While their neighbors refused to aid the wayfarers

Philemon and his wife shared everything they had

And, the gods rewarded their kindness by granting their most cherished wish

To die together as neither could bear the loneliness of going on alone

They were transformed into two majestic trees, their branches entwining

Their transcendent metamorphosis arose from a deep and abiding love

Thus, they who waited upon the gods became gods

For what is a god, but the transforming power of love


Endnote: Dedicated to Peggy and Joe Gentile

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