Giles Watson's poetry and prose
War versus Botany
“Botany is the science that gives life to the loveliest of earth’s offerings.” – Eugene Aram (quoted by Bulwer Lytton).
“War is the furnace (fiery) into which are flung the savings of generations, the humble joys of happy homes, and the quiet hopes of millions of human hearts.” - D.T. 11/6/[18]89.
This is inscribed inside my new (old) copy of the third edition of John Lindley’s, The Vegetable Kingdom: The Structure, Classification and Uses of Plants, (1853).
It resonated with the words of a very articulate young man from Afghanistan, interviewed yesterday on Radio 4, which I have transcribed to the best of my memory:
“We do not need American soldiers. We need American teachers, American scientists… If they keep on breaking people’s hearts, they will find Osama bin Laden inside every home.”
If only all would-be politicians had to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of botany before seeking office...
War versus Botany
“Botany is the science that gives life to the loveliest of earth’s offerings.” – Eugene Aram (quoted by Bulwer Lytton).
“War is the furnace (fiery) into which are flung the savings of generations, the humble joys of happy homes, and the quiet hopes of millions of human hearts.” - D.T. 11/6/[18]89.
This is inscribed inside my new (old) copy of the third edition of John Lindley’s, The Vegetable Kingdom: The Structure, Classification and Uses of Plants, (1853).
It resonated with the words of a very articulate young man from Afghanistan, interviewed yesterday on Radio 4, which I have transcribed to the best of my memory:
“We do not need American soldiers. We need American teachers, American scientists… If they keep on breaking people’s hearts, they will find Osama bin Laden inside every home.”
If only all would-be politicians had to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of botany before seeking office...