Ch. 1, v.1-6 (arboretum)

Regard the azalea--the light gives its reflectance spectrum life
That pleases the rods and cones of my companion's eye.
The azalea is as raiment to the hillside
A cloth cultivated multiplied begat & begat to ten thousand breeds
All to please the rods and cones of my companion's eye.

Rejoice in the azalea--the cultivar prospers.











Exegesis and Commentary

The azaleas are a phenomenon of the Arb in late spring/early summer. There is one hillside in particular that blossoms spectacularly, and although Frida cannot see those colors herself, she clearly understands that there is something special about this part of the Arb at this time of year and a reason we visit it, umm, religiously when the flowers are blooming (which she must smell).

You can also see in these verses her appreciation for human intervention in the process of evolution: that is, the effect of selective breeding for our purpose and pleasure. The ten thousand varieties of the azalea were created by humans; they are not an outcome of the plant's prosperity in reproduction, except to the extent that we have made it prosper to enjoy its colors. And so with canis lupis familiaris.