NPPF - Canto Two Notes (1)

[David Morris]

182:  “A cicada sings”
See also “cigales” in line 242
http://saltthesandbox.org/cicada_hunt/
http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4th/kkhp/1insects/cicada.html
There are two main kinds of periodical cicadas in the United States. One kind
spends 17 years as a nymph feeding on tree roots while living below ground, and
the other lives underground for 13 years! Then each type, as if on some signal,
emerges at the same time from the ground. They change into adults, lay eggs,
and after a few weeks, they die. We don't see the next generation until 13 or
17 years later!
After cicada eggs hatch, the tiny, antlike nymphs quickly drop from the trees
and burrow five to 46 centimeters (two to 18 inches) underground in search of
tree roots to feed upon. For the next 13 to 17 years they feed on the juicy
roots of plants. After 13 or 17 years, a natural "clock," which remains a
mystery to scientists, tells them that it is time to come out of the ground. In
the weeks before the nymphs emerge, periodical cicadas dig their tunnels to the
soil surface and prepare to leave the ground. Amazingly all the cicadas seem to
come out of the ground at the same time in enormous numbers. The nymphs leave
the ground and begin to climb trees and poles. As they climb, they molt, or
grow out of their exoskeleton. They split open the back of their brown and
brittle exoskeletons, wiggle out, and abandon them, empty and still clinging to
the trees. They continue to climb to the treetops to begin their constant
buzzing calls, trying to attract a mate. If they are successful, mating occurs,
eggs are laid and the cycle begins again.

183:  “scissors […] A dazzling synthesis of sun and star”
The Sun is a star, so the contrast is between night and day, eternal, cyclical
time.  The shape of scissors might be the reference.  A lemniscate is formed
(sort of) when the scissors are closed.  Any other ideas?

189:  “Starover Blue”
See line 627 (and Comentary to 627).

194:  Scarf skin”
Any ideas?

221:  “vulgar laughter”
Remember earlier use of this adjective in Canto One.

238:  “Empty emerald case, squat and frog-eyed, / Hugging the trunk”
Does anyone have a clue what this is?

240:  “Englishman in Nice, / A proud and happy linguist: je nourris / Les
pauvres cigales
Translation:  “I nourish The poor cicadas”  Except he meant “seagulls.”

244:  “Lafontaine”
Does anyone know this reference?

257:  “star of trillium”
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/trilliumgran.html

http://www.wiseacre-gardens.com/plants/wildflower/trillium.html
Trilliums are a common wildflower in the north county, usually in scattered
colonies but occasionally covering large areas of the forest floor. Trilliums
demand moist, very humus rich soil in wooded areas.

270:  “my dark Vanessa, crimson barred.”
http://www.geocities.com/europeanbutterflies/Deutsch/atalanta.htm

http://www3.pei.sympatico.ca/~david.fraser/vatalant.htm
Vanessa Atlanta:  Red Admiral Butterfly
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/usa/224.htm
The characteristic coloration of the Red Admiral Butterfly is a black hindwing
with a red-orange marginal band; the dorsal forewing is also black with white
markings near the apex. The wing span of the Red Admiral ranges between 1.75
and 3 inches.

(forgot the line):  Melancholy trees:
1.	Weeping Willow 
http://www.wellesley.edu/Activities/homepage/web/Species/pwillowweeping.html
Blue, blue is the grass about the river
And the willows have overfilled the close garden.
And within, the mistress, in the midmost of her youth,
White, white of face, hesitates, passing the door.
Slender, she puts forth a slender hand."
-Ezra Pound, 1885-1972, from The Beautiful Toilet

2.	Yew  http://www.3pintsgone.com/Enhanced/YewTree.htm
Yews are a symbol of immortality. Ancient peoples were in the habit of planting
yew trees as acts of sanctification near to where they expected to be buried.
Over the centuries, it has been widely planted in churchyards as an ornamental
tree. The tree has a reputation for living longer than almost any other species
in the UK. There is an old yew at Fortingall in Glen Lyon, Scotland which might
be 2000 years old.

310:  “elves/Mother Time”
Does anyone know of a story with these characters?

316:  “Toothwort white”
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/cardaminediph.html
http://www.primefocus-iowa.com/CutLeavedToothwort.html


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