Botanist

by Ralph Waldo Emerson — a poem card from Justes Mots

Emerson contrasts the scholarly pursuit of botanical knowledge with his own choice to dwell with living flowers and await what time naturally brings. The poem celebrates immediate sensory and spiritual engagement with nature over abstract learning. It appeals to those seeking a more intuitive, present relationship with the natural world and those valuing experience over expertise.

Go thou to thy learned task,
I stay with the flowers of Spring:
Do thou of the Ages ask
What me the Hours will bring.…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection