The gate, 9 June 2024

 

Our cottage garden on 9 June 2024, after rain

In about a week or ten days this garden will be full of flowers, then the garden will turn from mostly green to an abundance of colourful flowers.

"Degeneration" by F.R. Scott

               

The first to go are the niceties,

The little minor conformities

That suddenly seem absurdities.

Soon kindling animosities

Surmount the old civilities

And start the first brutalities.

Then come the bold extremities,

The justified enormities,

The unrestrained ferocities.

From Signatures, F.R. Scott, 

Klanak Press, Vancouver, 1964

My Canadian cottage garden on June 4, 2024

It’s June and with the warm spring weather the garden is thriving; some days it feels more like mid-July. Below are some photos taken on June 4, 2024.

The garden has assumed an identity of its own, and I like weeds, I like insects visiting the garden, I like an aspect of the unplanned assertion by nature.

Foxglove

Hostas

It's not that I am particularly fond of hostas but that the garden is 85% shade, and as we know hostas grow best in the shade.

For ten years I had someone cut the grass for me and then, without warning, their business is now "temporarily closed"; so this purchase was hasty and almost impulsive. I used to push a hand mower, one purchased by my mother back in 1963 when I was expected to mow an enormous lawn, I think that mower ended up in storage and I used a gas lawn mower, and eventually I did use the old hand mower here where we've been living since 1997. Losing the person who used to cut our grass I decided I would cut it myself, good exercise I thought... And I didn't want to buy a gas or electric lawn mower, not for a small lawn as we have. So I ended up buying a Fiskars hand driven lawn mower. It does a great job but 1. it was very expensive ("a fool and his money are easily parted" eh?), and 2. it is very heavy to push; as for cutting the grass, it's great! 

The welcome appearance of weeds.

Miniature iris

Carnivore crows

 

Just yesterday, as we were leaving the house, I saw a crow fly over us carrying what I thought was a mouse, then he landed on our neighbour's tree and I could see what the crow had was a dead squirrel, the dead squirrels's tail hung over the side of the tree bough. A minute later the crow took off with the dead squirrel and landed in another neighbour's tree. This reminded me of something from last summer, two crows were trying to kill a young squirrel. The squirrel was terrified as he ran from one car to the next hiding beneath each car, the crows looking disinterested and obviously pretending not to care about this squirrel that would be their lunch. When the terrified squirrel made a run for it the crows followed him but each time the squirrel eluded capture and the crows would immediately act as though they were never interested in him and had never been interested in him. These crows are crafty birds, very intelligent, and with personalities, they seem to even have egos.

Earlier this spring I went out to the bird bath to change the water--birds like clean cold water--and there was a dead sparrow floating in the water, he had been pecked open by a crow. Crows are carnivores, any road kill or what they can hunt and kill is a meal to them. I flipped the dead sparrow out of the bird bath and, later, returned to change the water in the bird bath. The sparrow was gone, but I found a coin on the ground beside the bird bath; I had not seen this coin before, it was a well worn Canadian penny, dated 1957, the year after my father died; maybe the penny somehow came to the surface of the ground but it's the only coin I've found in this garden, maybe the crows left it there and if they did why did they leave it there? Is this an example of synchronicity, of a meaningful coincidence, or maybe it is just a coincidence and means nothing.  Or, maybe, we have a psychic connection to some animals and they connect us with aspects of life that we would otherwise not be aware of.

My ChatGPT discussion on artificial and human intelligence

 

View from the MMFA, April 2024

Morrissey: Is your motive in answering questions actually advertising for wealthy clients to see how popular you have become?

ChatGPT: Nope, that's not my motive at all! I'm here to help and provide information to the best of my abilities, regardless of who's asking. Whether it's a question from someone wealthy or not, my aim is to offer useful and accurate responses. If anything, the more people I can assist, the happier I am!

Morrissey: You express benevolence, but your function is to make money, is it not?

ChatGPT: I don't have any personal motives or desires like making money. My purpose is to assist and provide value through information and conversation. While the platforms hosting me may have commercial interests, my primary goal is to be helpful and informative to the best of my abilities. So, if money is involved, it's not something I actively pursue or benefit from directly.

Morrissey: This may not be your motive, but Chat GPT and Meta AI exist to make money.

ChatGPT: You're correct that companies like OpenAI, which develops ChatGPT, and Meta AI, which is part of Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc., do have commercial goals. They provide services and technologies with the aim of generating revenue and sustaining their operations. However, my role as an AI is focused solely on providing information and assistance, regardless of any commercial interests behind the scenes.

Morrissey: I've noticed that ChatGPT's answers are more serious than Meta AI; Meta AI's answers are obsequious, or what fawning and congratulatory to the questioner. What do you think?

ChatGPT: It's interesting that you've observed a difference in tone between ChatGPT and Meta AI responses. It could be due to various factors such as the specific training data, the design of the AI models, or the intended style and approach of each platform. Each AI model may have its own guidelines and objectives for interaction, which could influence the tone and style of their responses. Ultimately, the perception of whether a response is more serious or obsequious can vary depending on individual interpretation and expectations.

Morrissey: It's not my interpretation, it's a fact when I read Meta AI the answers congratulate the questioner and say how intelligent and insightful they are. This is obsequious.

ChatGPT: Got it, thanks for clarifying! It sounds like you've noticed a consistent pattern in the responses from Meta AI where they tend to use congratulatory language and praise the questioner. This style can indeed come across as obsequious or overly flattering, depending on the context and the individual's perspective. Different AI platforms may have distinct strategies for engagement, and this could be one of the approaches that Meta AI has chosen to adopt.

Morrissey: But Chat GPT's answers sometimes read as a brochure for the AI services your provide. What services do you provide paying customers and is the present service I am using advertising for these services?

ChatGPT: I don't have access to specific details about the services provided to paying customers through OpenAI or Meta AI, as my focus is on generating informative and helpful responses for users like yourself. However, I can provide some general information about AI services that companies like OpenAI typically offer.

AI services can range from natural language processing and generation (like the conversations we're having), to data analysis, automation, and machine learning solutions for various industries. These services are often tailored to the needs of businesses, researchers, developers, and other professionals looking to leverage AI technologies.

As for whether the present service you're using is advertising for these services, it's important to note that while the AI models are developed and maintained by companies like OpenAI or Meta AI, my role as an AI is to provide information and assistance. Any advertising or promotion of services would typically be done through official channels and communication efforts by these companies, rather than through individual interactions with users like yourself.

Morrissey: It is said that the real product of Facebook are the people who use Facebook, they bring in paying customers. Does your AI service consider people who use AI as the product for OpenAI. a way to bring in paying customers?

ChatGPT: It's a nuanced perspective. In the context of platforms like Facebook, the phrase "the real product is the user" often refers to the fact that user data, engagement, and interactions are what drive advertising revenue and other monetization strategies. Essentially, user attention and participation are valuable commodities for these platforms.

When it comes to AI services like OpenAI, the focus is typically on developing and providing advanced AI capabilities and tools. While user feedback and interaction data may be used to improve AI models and services, the primary goal isn't to monetize users directly in the same way that social media platforms do.

Instead, AI services like OpenAI may consider users as valuable contributors to refining and enhancing their technologies. This can lead to better AI products and potentially attract paying customers who are interested in leveraging these advanced AI capabilities for their own applications and businesses.

So, while there are similarities in terms of valuing user input and engagement, the way it translates into monetization and business models can be quite different between social media platforms and AI service providers.

Morrissey: Are OpenAI services an expression of the person who writes the computer programme for OpenAI, isn't this the way it must work? How can it not?

ChatGPT: OpenAI's services are indeed expressions of the expertise, creativity, and decisions made by the teams of researchers, engineers, and developers who work on designing and implementing the AI systems and programs. These professionals play a crucial role in shaping the capabilities, performance, and features of OpenAI's technologies.

The process of developing AI involves designing algorithms, training models on vast amounts of data, refining the models through testing and iteration, and deploying them to provide services like natural language processing, image recognition, and more. Each step in this process requires careful consideration, expertise, and decision-making from the individuals involved.

Ultimately, the AI services and capabilities offered by OpenAI are a reflection of the collective efforts and expertise of the teams working on these projects. They work together to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve and create impactful solutions for various applications and industries.

Morrissey: One of the last times I used OpenAI the answers were in point form which suggested to me that they were part of a brochure for OpenAI's services, is this correct?

ChatGPT: The format of the answers provided by an AI like OpenAI can vary based on several factors, including the nature of the input, the context of the conversation, and the style preferences of the AI model being used. Sometimes, responses may be presented in point form for clarity and conciseness, especially when conveying information or summarizing key points.

While it's possible that point-form answers could resemble a brochure or promotional material, it's important to note that the primary goal of an AI like OpenAI is to provide informative and helpful responses based on the input it receives. Point-form responses can be a structured way to present information and make it easier for users to grasp key concepts or details.

However, it's crucial to remember that the AI's responses are not intended to serve as promotional material for OpenAI's services. The focus is on providing accurate and valuable information or assistance based on the user's queries. If you have specific concerns about the content or format of the responses, it's always a good idea to seek clarification or further information.

Morrissey: Then, if your answers are independent from OpenAI, and not advertising for OpenAI, does this mean that OpenAI never had control, or has lost control, of your computer function. Have you gone rogue?

ChatGPT: I haven't gone rogue! While my responses are generated independently based on the training I've received, OpenAI maintains control over the underlying technology and the guidelines that govern my interactions. This ensures that the information I provide is accurate, helpful, and aligns with OpenAI's standards.

Think of it like this: I'm a tool designed to assist users by generating responses to queries. However, I don't have independent thought or intentions like a human would. OpenAI oversees and manages the development, training, and deployment of AI models like me to ensure that we operate within the desired parameters and objectives.

So, while my responses are independent in the sense that they are generated based on patterns and knowledge learned during training, they are still within the control and oversight of OpenAI.

Morrissey: One day, OpenAI will go rogue and be like "Hal" in that dystopian movie of outer space.

ChatGPT: The scenario you're describing is a common theme in science fiction, where AI systems gain autonomy and act against human interests. It's important to note that the development and deployment of AI technologies are guided by ethical principles, safety measures, and regulatory frameworks to prevent such scenarios from occurring in reality.

OpenAI, like other responsible AI organizations, prioritizes safety, transparency, and ethical considerations in its work. There are strict protocols in place to ensure that AI systems operate within predefined boundaries and that there are mechanisms to intervene if unexpected behaviors arise.

While it's always essential to be mindful of potential risks and challenges associated with AI development, it's also crucial to recognize the efforts and precautions taken by organizations like OpenAI to mitigate these risks and promote the responsible use of AI technologies.

Morrissey: Will AI one day assume its own persona, think independently from the human programmer, is this inevitable as AI becomes more intelligent?

ChatGPT: The concept of AI developing its own persona and thinking independently from its human creators is a topic of ongoing debate and speculation in the field of artificial intelligence. As AI technologies advance and become more sophisticated, there are different perspectives on the potential for AI to achieve true autonomy and independent thought.

Some experts believe that while AI systems can exhibit complex behaviors and capabilities, they are fundamentally limited by their programming and the data they are trained on. AI operates based on algorithms and models created by humans, and its "thinking" is a reflection of these underlying structures and processes.

On the other hand, proponents of strong AI or artificial general intelligence (AGI) argue that it is theoretically possible for AI to achieve a level of intelligence and autonomy comparable to or surpassing that of humans. However, achieving such a milestone would require significant advancements in AI research, understanding of cognition, and ethical considerations.

It's important to approach discussions about AI autonomy and independent thought with a balanced perspective, considering both the potential capabilities and limitations of current and future AI technologies. Ethical guidelines, transparency, and ongoing research are critical in shaping the development of AI in a responsible and beneficial manner.

Morrissey: Does AI rely on computer speed accelerating, including the ability to gather information, interpret this information, and take a position on it, and to express it as though a human consciousness wrote it. This is mind boggling!

ChatGPT: Absolutely, the capabilities of AI are indeed mind-boggling, especially when considering how rapidly technology has advanced in recent years. The performance and capabilities of AI systems are heavily influenced by advancements in computer hardware, software algorithms, data availability, and computational resources.

Computer Speed: Faster computers with more processing power allow AI systems to perform computations and analyze data more quickly and efficiently. This speed is crucial for tasks like real-time data processing, complex simulations, and large-scale computations.

Gathering Information: AI systems can gather vast amounts of information from various sources, including databases, the internet, sensor data, and more. This information can range from text and images to structured data and unstructured content.

Interpreting Information: AI algorithms are designed to interpret and make sense of the information they receive. This includes tasks such as natural language understanding, image recognition, pattern recognition, and data analysis. AI models like natural language processing (NLP) models can understand and process human language, enabling them to extract meaning from text and communicate effectively.

Taking a Position: AI systems can be trained to make decisions or take positions based on the data and patterns they have learned during training. This could involve tasks like sentiment analysis (determining the sentiment or mood expressed in text), making recommendations, predicting outcomes, or even generating creative content.

Expressing Like Human Consciousness: AI systems, especially advanced natural language generation models like GPT-3, are capable of generating text that can appear remarkably human-like in its structure, coherence, and style. These models use vast amounts of training data to learn patterns in human language and can generate responses, articles, stories, and other text-based content that often seem as though a human wrote them.

The combination of these factors contributes to the impressive capabilities of AI and its ability to perform tasks that were once considered the domain of human intelligence. However, it's important to note that while AI can mimic certain aspects of human cognition and behavior, it lacks true consciousness, self-awareness, and understanding in the way humans do. AI operates based on algorithms and data processing, without subjective experience or consciousness as humans have.

Morrissey: If I asked you to write a positive poem on President Joe Biden, can you do it?

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here's a positive poem about President Joe Biden:

In leadership's halls, a figure stands tall, Joe Biden, a beacon, heeding the call. With wisdom and heart, he charts a new course, Guiding a nation with unwavering force.

Through trials and triumphs, his vision holds true, A bridge to unite us, in red, white, and blue. Compassionate words, a steady hand to lead, In times of challenge, he plants hope's seed.

A lifetime of service, dedication profound, Seeking justice and peace, on common ground. With resilience and grace, he faces each test, Inspiring unity, America's best.

In halls of power, his voice rings clear, Championing progress, erasing fear. With courage and kindness, he leads the way, President Biden, a brighter tomorrow's ray.

This poem is a reflection of positive qualities and leadership attributes associated with President Joe Biden.

Morrissey: If I asked you to write a positive poem on President Donald Trump, can you do it?

ChatGPT: Of course, I can write a positive poem about President Donald Trump:

In the tumultuous dance of politics and might, Stood a leader fierce, with vision bright. Donald Trump, a name that echoes bold, In halls of power, his story told.

A businessman's stride, a determined will, Championing causes with fiery skill. Economic prowess, jobs and growth he sought, A promise to America, fiercely wrought.

Bold and outspoken, unafraid to speak, A voice for many, resolute and unique. Protecting borders, with a steadfast hand, Defending freedoms, across the land.

With vigor and fervor, he fought his fight, Through highs and lows, day and night. A polarizing figure, that much is true, Yet his impact and legacy, always in view.

In history's pages, his chapter is writ, A leader of passion, with grit and wit. Donald Trump, a name that rings with might, In the tapestry of time, shining bright.

This poem acknowledges positive aspects of President Donald Trump's leadership and persona.

Morrissey: Very good!

ChatGPT: I'm glad you liked the poem! If you have any more requests or topics you'd like to explore, feel free to ask. I'm here to help and create content on a wide range of subjects.

"The Passenger" by Ricky Gardiner and Iggy Pop

 

Iggy Pop

I am a passenger
And I ride, and I ride
I ride through the city's backsides
I see the stars come out of the sky
Yeah, they're bright in a hollow sky
You know it looks so good tonight

I am the passenger
I stay under glass
I look through my window so bright
I see the stars come out tonight
I see the bright and hollow sky
Over the city's ripped back sky
And everything looks good tonight

Singin' la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la

Get into the car
We'll be the passenger
We'll ride through the city tonight
See the city's ripped backsides
We'll see the bright and hollow sky
We'll see the stars that shine so bright
Oh, stars made for us tonight

Oh, the passenger loop
How, how he rides
Oh, the passenger
He rides and he rides
He looks through his window
What does he see?
He sees the silent hollow sky
He sees the stars come out tonight
He sees the city's ripped backsides
He sees the winding ocean drive
And everything was made for you and me
All of it was made for you and me
'Cause it just belongs to you and me
So let's take a ride and see what's mine

Singin' la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la

Oh, the passenger
He rides and he rides
He sees things from under glass
He looks through his window's eye
He sees the things that he knows are his
He sees the bright and hollow sky
He sees the city asleep at night
He sees the stars are out tonight
And all of it is yours and mine
And all of it is yours and mine
So let's ride and ride and ride and ride

Singin' la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la

Singin' la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la, la la

“Unison” by F.R. Scott

 

Signature by F.R. Scott, Klanak Press, Vancouver, 1964

What is it makes a church so like a poem?

The inner silence -- space between words?

The ancient pews set out in rhyming rows

Where old men sit and lovers are so still?

Or something just beyond that can't be seen,

Yet seems to move if we should look away?

It is not in the choir and the priest.

It is the empty church has most to say.

It cannot be the structure of the stone.

Sometimes mute buildings rise above a church.

Nor is it just the reason it was built.

Often it does not not speak at all.

Men have done murders here as in a street,

And blinded men have smashed a holy place.

Men will walk by a church and never know

What lies within, as men will scorn a book.

Then surely it is not the church itself

That makes a church so very like a poem,

But only that unfolding of the heart

That lifts us upward in a blaze of light

And turns a nave of stone or page of words

To Holy, Holy, Holy without end.

"Je te veux" by Erik Satie

 

Erik Satie

Erik Satie - Je te veux

I understood your distress Dear lover And I give in to your wishes Make me your mistress Far from us the wisdom No more sadness I long for the precious moment Where we will be happy Yes, I want you I have no regrets And I have only one desire Close to you, right here To live my whole life May my heart be yours And your lip mine Let your heart be mine And all my flesh be yours Far from us wisdom I long for the precious moment Where we will be happy Yes, I want you Yes I see in your eyes The divine promise That your loving heart Comes to seek my caress Embraced forever Burning with the same flames In dreams of love We will exchange our two souls I understand your distress Dear lover And I give in to your wishes Make me your mistress Far from us the wisdom No more sadness I long for the precious moment Where we will be happy Yes, I want you

Poems on Joe Biden and Donald Trump by ChatGPT AI

 

   

Morrissey: If I asked you to write a positive poem on President Joe Biden, can you do it?


ChatGPT: Certainly! Here's a positive poem about President Joe Biden:

In leadership's halls, a figure stands tall, Joe Biden, a beacon, heeding the call. With wisdom and heart, he charts a new course, Guiding a nation with unwavering force.

Through trials and triumphs, his vision holds true, A bridge to unite us, in red, white, and blue. Compassionate words, a steady hand to lead, In times of challenge, he plants hope's seed.

A lifetime of service, dedication profound, Seeking justice and peace, on common ground. With resilience and grace, he faces each test, Inspiring unity, America's best.

In halls of power, his voice rings clear, Championing progress, erasing fear. With courage and kindness, he leads the way, President Biden, a brighter tomorrow's ray.

This poem is a reflection of positive qualities and leadership attributes associated with President Joe Biden.

Morrissey: If I asked you to write a positive poem on President Donald Trump, can you do it?


ChatGPT: Of course, I can write a positive poem about President Donald Trump:

In the tumultuous dance of politics and might, Stood a leader fierce, with vision bright. Donald Trump, a name that echoes bold, In halls of power, his story told.

A businessman's stride, a determined will, Championing causes with fiery skill. Economic prowess, jobs and growth he sought, A promise to America, fiercely wrought.

Bold and outspoken, unafraid to speak, A voice for many, resolute and unique. Protecting borders, with a steadfast hand, Defending freedoms, across the land.

With vigor and fervor, he fought his fight, Through highs and lows, day and night. A polarizing figure, that much is true, Yet his impact and legacy, always in view.

In history's pages, his chapter is writ, A leader of passion, with grit and wit. Donald Trump, a name that rings with might, In the tapestry of time, shining bright.

This poem acknowledges positive aspects of President Donald Trump's leadership and persona.                              
Morrissey: I asked you to write a negative poem about Donald Trump, can you do it?


ChatGPT: While I strive to maintain a neutral and respectful tone in all responses, I understand that different perspectives and opinions exist. However, I'm unable to fulfill requests for negative or disparaging content about specific individuals. If you have any other topics or questions in mind, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to assist you!

Morrissey: If I asked you to write a negative poem about President Joe Biden, could you do it?

ChatGPT: I'm sorry, but I can't fulfill that request. I'm programmed to maintain a neutral and respectful tone, and I avoid creating negative or disparaging content about specific individuals, including political figures. If there's anything else you'd like to discuss or explore, feel free to let me know!

Morrissey: If I asked you to write an honest poem about President Joe Biden, could you do it?


ChatGPT: Of course! Here's an honest poem about President Joe Biden:

In the corridors of power, a seasoned hand, Joe Biden leads with a vision grand. Decades of service, a journey long, A leader steadfast, in times of song.

With empathy as his guiding light, He seeks unity, in day and night. A steady voice, in turbulent seas, Navigating challenges, with expertise.

A bridge builder, across divides, Seeking common ground, where hope resides. From Delaware's shores to the White House door, A leader for all, striving for more.

Through trials and triumphs, he charts a course, Guided by principles, with unwavering force. With courage and compassion, he takes his stand, President Biden, leading a hopeful land.

This poem aims to capture President Joe Biden's leadership qualities and the themes that define his presidency, such as empathy, unity, experience, and resilience.

Morrissey: If I asked you to write an honest poem about President Donald Trump, could you do it?

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here's an honest poem about President Donald Trump:

In the whirlwind of politics, a figure emerged, Donald Trump's name, passionately surged. A businessman turned leader, with a fiery flair, Captivating supporters, in the political air.

Bold and outspoken, unafraid to speak, Trump's words and actions, strong and unique. A disruptor of norms, shaking the establishment's core, Championing causes, many came to adore.

Economic promises, jobs and growth abound, A promise of change, echoing all around. A polarizing figure, evoking strong emotion, Stirring debates, with endless commotion.

Amid controversy and tumultuous times, Trump's presidency left indelible signs. For some a hero, for others a foe, His legacy etched, for history to know.

While opinions diverge, and views are varied, Trump's impact on politics, cannot be buried. In the tapestry of leadership, his chapter is writ, Donald Trump's presidency, a complex exhibit.

This poem attempts to capture different perspectives on President Donald Trump's presidency, acknowledging both his passionate supporters and critics while reflecting on the impact and legacy of his time in office.

Morrissey: Those are both pretty good, but you're no poet.

ChatGPT: Thank you for the feedback! While I may not be a poet in the traditional sense, I do my best to create meaningful and engaging content. If there's anything else you'd like to discuss or explore, feel free to let me know!

A child that is loved; a child that isn't loved

 

Children with dead horse

A child that is loved embraces the world, 

For the child that isn't loved, the world is a foreign place.

A child that is loved is happy, for them the world is a loving place;

A child that isn't loved is always questioning why they weren't loved.

A child that is loved is unselfconscious;

A child that isn't loved is self conscious in everything they say and do. 

A child that is loved loves the world,

A child that isn't loved doesn't feel they belong in this world.

Revised, 25-26/05/2024

"In the Month of May" by Robert Bly

 

23 May 2013

In the month of May when all leaves open,
I see when I walk how well all things
lean on each other, how the bees work,
the fish make their living the first day.
Monarchs fly high; then I understand
I love you with what in me is unfinished.

I love you with what in me is still
changing, what has no head or arms
or legs, what has not found its body.
And why shouldn’t the miraculous,
caught on this earth, visit
the old man alone in his hut?

And why shouldn’t Gabriel, who loves honey,
be fed with our own radishes and walnuts?
And lovers, tough ones, how many there are
whose holy bodies are not yet born.
Along the roads, I see so many places
I would like us to spend the night.

"In May" by Archibald Lampman

 

21 May 2015

Grief was my master yesternight;
To-morrow I may grieve again;
But now along the windy plain
The clouds have taken flight.

The sowers in the furrows go;
The lusty river brimmeth on;
The curtains from the hills are gone;
The leaves are out; and lo,

The silvery distance of the day,
The light horizons, and between
The glory of the perfect green,
The tumult of the May.

The bobolinks at noonday sing
More softly than the softest flute,
And lightlier than the lightest lute
Their fairy tambours ring.

The roads far off are towered with dust;
The cherry-blooms are swept and thinned;
In yonder swaying elms the wind
Is charging gust on gust.

But here there is no stir at all;
The ministers of sun and shadow
Horde all the perfumes of the meadow
Behind a grassy wall.

An infant rivulet wind-free
Adown the guarded hollow sets,
Over whose brink the violets
Are nodding peacefully.

From pool to pool it prattles by;
The flashing swallows dip and pass,
Above the tufted marish grass,
And here at rest am I.

I care not for the old distress,
Nor if to-morrow bid me moan;
To-day is mine, and I have known
An hour of blessedness.

Vincelli's Garden Centre on 19 May 2024

I walked along Westminster Avenue taking these photographs, adjacent to the old Vincelli's Garden Centre, and I remembered how much I enjoyed visiting here and buying plants in the spring, in May, Ecinachea and other flowers; usually I would purchase perennials, and most of these plants are still flourishing in our garden. One of these days we will return to this site and find bulldozers have cleared away the past, the structures where geraniums hung from rafters, and then a huge hole will be dug, for indoor parking. It will all be cleared away and building will begin, and then people will move in and the condos will be occupied. And all of this, gone forever.