October 10, 2009
Notes

He Wears the Rose/Of Youth Upon Him

Poetic Rose Garden new photograph upon Obama's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. October 9, 2009.

Poetic White House new photograph upon Obama's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. October 9, 2009.

In these cynical and polarized times, who said the occasion for poetry wasn't somehow beyond the simple, subtle glance of a White House news photographer?

These two newswire images, inspired by Obama's surprise receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, afford a unique portrait of a humble acceptance statement, and the White House that morning in the early light, captured through this flowering and exotic, lotus-like shape.

The words above are from Shakespeare, and though both of these quotes seem to speak to the moment, perhaps the following is a closer reflection of the intent of the Oslo committee:

“But he that dares not grasp the thorn

Should never crave the rose.”

— Anne Bronte

(image 1: Jim Young/Reuters. image 2: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Michael Shaw
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