The Lotus-Eaters
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“Branches they bore of that enchanted stem,
Laden with flower and fruit, whereof they gave
To each, but whoso did receive of them
And taste, to him the gushing of the wave
Far far away did seem to mourn and rave
On alien shores..”
From The Lotos-Eaters, Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1832.
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Picture of edible lotus roots being collected, taken on a visit to the Chellanam backwaters, Kerala.
Neither Use Nor Ornament 
So much quiet beauty in your image and the words.
The “A Sunlit Absence” quote is evident here.
January 25, 2012 at 9:31 pm
It was an enchanted afternoon..
January 25, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Edible roots and seeds, are the flowers edible too? Have you eaten any?
January 25, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Apparently all of the plant is edible.
Yes, we sampled a small part what looked like a submerged bud, which is used by local folk to help in the treatment of diabetes. It tasted a little bland but not unpleasant.
January 26, 2012 at 7:24 am
Thank you. I have seen the dried seed heads here, used in flower arranging I believe.
January 27, 2012 at 12:50 am
Next time you see them, perhaps you should take a bite!
January 27, 2012 at 6:51 am