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Swan Song

Swan Song

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Swan Song--swan with wings spreadSwans capture our attention like few other birds. Their grace and beauty amaze us. The image of a swan song increases their attraction.

A swan song is a last performance or work.

We usually relate it to singers or other performers. Farewell tours have become common. However, swan song refers to any worker’s final effort before death or retirement.

This expression comes from an ancient legend that swans sing before they die.

The legend says swans remain mute until their final beautiful, mournful music. According to The Phrase Finder, the legend is false. All swans “have a variety of vocal sounds and they don’t sing before they die.”

Yet, the legend does tell a beautiful story. It appears in several well-known works, including:

  • Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice
  • The Orlando Gibbons madrigal, “The Silver Swan”

May we never wait until our swan song to do our best.

God created us for a purpose. Whatever our gifts, let’s give life our best, from the beginning to the end of the road.

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live”
 (Psalm 104:33).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion. Image by miniformat65 from Pixabay.

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Apple of My Eye

Apple of My Eye

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Apple of My Eye--bowl of applesOver the years, several children and youth have become the apple of my eye. I love them a bushel and a peck and consider them my children. They have included:

The apple of my eye is someone or something special or cherished.

I favor them over others. Feelings run deep.

Often, as in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this expression refers to a romantic relationship.

“Flower of this purple dye,
Hit with Cupid’s archery,
Sink in apple of his eye”

This expression appears several times in the Bible.

“In a desert land he [God] found him [Israel], in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV).

“Keep my command and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye” (Proverbs 7:2 NIV).

“For this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—’” (Zechariah 2:8 NIV).

As seen in these verses and in the verse below, the expression refers to both human and non-human objects of affection.

God wants everyone as His children, the apple of His eye.

Accepting God’s gift makes all the difference for this life and the life to come.

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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