Figs: The Secret
The Fig
is
Erotic?
Oh please,
tell me
How
~
I’d not the
slightest
idea,
until here
until now;
~
Please pardon
my
blushing,
Don’t mean
to
offend
~
But I must
share
my discovery,
Since we’re
all such
good friends;
~
So
savor this
image,
And when
your joy
is complete;
~
Learn the
secret of
Figs
Through
a poetic prose
treat!
~~~
😉 RL
Figs
excerpted from the poem
By D. H. Lawrence
~~~
The proper way to eat a fig, in society,
Is to split it in four, holding it by the stump,
And open it, so that it is a glittering, rosy, moist, honied,
heavy-petalled four-petalled flower.
Then you throw away the skin
Which is just like a four-sepalled calyx,
After you have taken off the blossom with your lips.
But the vulgar way
Is just to put your mouth to the crack,
and take out the flesh in one bite.
Every fruit has its secret.
The fig is a very secretive fruit.
As you see it standing growing,
you feel at once it is symbolic:
And it seems male.
But when you come to know it better,
you agree with the Romans,
it is female.
The Italians vulgarly say, it stands for
the female part; the fig-fruit:
The fissure, the yoni,
The wonderful moist conductivity
towards the centre.
Involved,
Inturned,
The flowering all inward and womb-fibrilled;
And but one orifice.
The fig, the horse-shoe, the squash-blossom.
Symbols.
There was a flower that flowered inward, womb-ward;
Now there is a fruit like a ripe womb.
It was always a secret.
That’s how it should be,
the female
should always be
secret.
~~~
And for even more fascinating information about this sacred, and sultry fruit :
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 
Fantastic bit of knowledge Robyn! Your image accompanies the poem beautifully! Veer well done. Nice lighting. And your poem is fabulous. So catchy and sweet! Love it all! Have a wonderful week!
October 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM
Thanks Robyn…. yes, I too was very much unknowing about the ‘secret of figs’! We received a nice bunch of fresh figs gifted by a local farmer ~ and I thought I’d try my hand at a photo. Had some sunlight streaming in the window…. After I did some research … I saw an opportunity for a whimsical fun post too! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed dear one and may your week ahead be bright! xo
October 7, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Figs are ravishing, so beautiful to look at in photos and in the flesh!!!
October 7, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Yes Valerie — very special delicious fruit ~ though I never appreciated how beautiful till I took the photo ~ so happy you enjoyed this!! Much Love ~ Robyn
October 7, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Oh my oh wow!!! I really like this…would never look at a fig the same way lol
October 7, 2012 at 10:06 PM
Thank you boomie dearest! Keeping myself entertained here — can you tell? LOL! It was a fun project ~ me too… will never look at a fig the same way again!!! Thanks to Mr. Lawrence 🙂 xo
October 7, 2012 at 10:15 PM
lol me too..Fig all of a sudden wore a new avatar
October 8, 2012 at 2:20 AM
I just love the humour in this! And the photo is marvelous. We have two old fig trees outside the back door – I will now see figs in a new light!
October 7, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Julie – yes – a little fun and lightness …. much needed!!! Also did like the textures and light quality of the photo image … who knew what kind of info I was destined to come across in my research on this sacred fruit!! You are so lucky to have fig trees at your place! What a treat ~ Sending love ~xo
October 7, 2012 at 10:19 PM
I hate to admit it, but I have regarded figs in much the same way as Mr. Lawrence for a goodly part of my life. Well, since I first read the poem anyway. Ha Ha. I never heard anybody else comment about the eroticism of figs, for goodness sake! Great photo. And I love your poem. 🙂
October 7, 2012 at 10:23 PM
LOL! Really George? In awe that you were already familiar with this poem by DHL ~ and that it had that kind of impact. I guess once Mr. Lawrence has his influence… figs will remain an erotic symbol forevermore:) I learn so much through my blogging adventures!!! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the photo and my little introductory poem ~ something different and fun!!! Sending warm wishes your way~ xo
October 7, 2012 at 10:32 PM
We were wide-eyed about that poem in college. I’d forgotten it, actually, until your post. I got a good laugh thinking about us pseudo-intellectuals hanging out in the dorm room reading old DH! Thanks.
October 7, 2012 at 11:11 PM
That is so great George!! I imagine I was too bogged down with my studies in finance and marketing back in college… to think I missed this cool stuff 🙂 ~ never to late to become enlightened!!. 😉
October 7, 2012 at 11:31 PM
You shoulda’ been a lit major draped all over the furniture saving the world in the Sixties. You sure as heck don’t write like a finance major! 🙂
October 7, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Actually majored in marketing (never liked numbers but had to take all those classes –) and minored in psychology … but truly loved CREATIVE WRITING elective!! Oh we should certainly all follow our bliss don’t you think? I pounded that into my kids’ heads … life is short! Thank you so much George xo
October 8, 2012 at 1:09 AM
I love this poem; the cadence, the imaginary, the symbolism. Well Done!
Best Wishes,
Daniela
October 7, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Oh thank you so much Daniela ~ I so appreciate your thoughtful comment tonight, and thrilled you enjoyed!! ~ Sending you lots of good wishes always ~R
October 7, 2012 at 10:59 PM
Gorgeous photo and now I am more intrigued than ever! Wonderful poem! Love, Linda
October 7, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Thank you dear Linda ~ so glad you enjoyed ~ and sparked some intrigue for you. Me too!!!! Beauty is everywhere in nature ~ even in figs!! Much Love xo R
October 7, 2012 at 11:01 PM
oh please show me some ripe figs of the white variety, pale greenish in fact, ripened in the sun on the tree until they split, when a drop of the thick sweet dew hangs out; they are the iconic Italian and Mediterranean fruit ! how I miss them. I’ll happily by-pass ex-shocking D. H. L. for some real-life true uncut white figs ! don’t get me wrong though, the ones you photographed are great too. I ate them with my eyes. But, just to make things perfectly clear, in Italy figs are not considered an aphrodisiac per se; it is just a charming myth because they ARE suggestive and evocative, if you would …
Alright, I’ll stop here as I do not desire to get kicked out of WordPress. Peace.
October 7, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Thank you!! veraersilla ~ Oh please show me some too!!! I am not sure I have ever experienced this white variety of which you speak… they sound delightful and now will be on the look-out!! I need to visit Italy one day — one of my dreams ~ 🙂 Yes – I suppose they can be seen as suggestive … though many biblical references too — and I’ve learned rather “sacred” in many religions and cultures! Here is a link to some more interesting info on this sultry fruit!! Will share the link below post too ~
http://whiskedfoodie.com/la_foodie/the-sultriest-of-fruits-the-fig/
Never kick you out of WordPress… this was a great comment – loved learning more!! xo R
October 7, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Wow, I was impressed by this lady, Becky! she’s lucky to live in California where figs are found. And she share my deep love for all things fruit.
October 8, 2012 at 6:10 AM
Yes – I liked Becky too ~ wonderful informative and passionate article isn’t it?! — Yes — “all things fruit” ~ wondrous!! Thank you Vera 🙂 !
October 8, 2012 at 11:42 AM
c’est appétissant
October 8, 2012 at 12:57 AM
Yes – I know kenkiz ~ thank you !!
October 8, 2012 at 1:00 AM
As I started reading your words I felt a giggle building up in me , holding it back , I read the poem, and the giggle moulded into a smile from one eye to the other… Now I am spoiled, I can’t look at the photo … And i don’t know if I can eat figs ( all sorts) anymore … What images will come to mind (all sorts) and how it will taste ( all sorts) … i hope this is not a life changing poem that haunts you. … I will not forgive you for that …😜
October 8, 2012 at 1:11 AM
Oh so nice to see some male commenters joining in Tarek… you are among the first! Thank you brave soul:) I am glad this tickled you ~ and so do hope that your relationship with figs is only enhanced by your experience with this post!!! They have all kinds of cultural and symbolic meanings across the globe (see link at end of post: The Sultriest of Fruits: The Fig ). Your comment made me smile ~ glad you enjoyed dear one ~ RL
October 8, 2012 at 1:19 AM
Lovely words and lovely accompanying photo… I love fig jam… do you think this has a deeper meaning…???? lol..
October 8, 2012 at 1:12 AM
Thank you bulldog ~ a bit of whimsy for me today… You also, among the first few courageous male commenters today! Now about this jam passion of yours …. LOL! 🙂 So glad you had fun with this dear friend ~ Sending Love and hoping you and family are enjoying this great adventure! x R
October 8, 2012 at 1:25 AM
maybe the fig should have been included in that one scene from the film 9 1/2 Weeks, where Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger are enjoying some delicious treats together …. just a thought, wishing you well as always Robyn 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 1:24 AM
🙂 Yes – Jim — based on what I learned here from D.H Lawrence here — you may be onto something… though I’ve not seen the flick 9 1/2 weeks… maybe time?? Would you recommend? Thank you for your caring thoughts my friend… I sooo appreciate!! Blessings and Love your way ~ R
October 8, 2012 at 1:29 AM
i believe the film was created back in the mid 80’s and was directed by someone who has his own unique style …. it’s a bit off the beaten path and i found it quite interesting in many ways …. excellent cinematography, unique verbal dialogue, superb acting, very good soundtrack and a storyline that zigzags in many facets …. yes, i would recommend if a bit out of the ordinary tickles your fancy from time to time …. 🙂 Jim
October 8, 2012 at 1:52 AM
Ok then — it’s on my list! Sounds really interesting -I always knew of the movie, but never did see it! Hope will be excellent! Thank you dear Jim!! 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 1:55 AM
you’re welcome dear Robyn 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 1:59 AM
Seriously never saw Fig in that way..this post changed everything lol
love them a lot…..beautiful poetry Robyn..come to think of it..it is a seductive secretive fruit 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 2:21 AM
I know Soma… this blogging thing is becoming a bit dangerous – hugh? 😉 Actually I learned so much about figs in creating this… to think how powerful they are amongst so many cultures, and throughout history ~ very cool… exotic, erotic and sacred … be sure to check out: http://whiskedfoodie.com/la_foodie/the-sultriest-of-fruits-the-fig/ If you haven’t. Thank you dear one — I am so happy to see you here!! x
October 8, 2012 at 2:27 AM
FIgs and camembert cheese….my absolute favourite!!
October 8, 2012 at 2:29 AM
Ok Lisa — I’m putting in my request for next weekend… sounds yummy!! Thank you dear one~ 🙂 R
October 8, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Oh my ….. LOL
October 8, 2012 at 4:29 AM
🙂 Thank you Alastair — yes I admit — this was major risqué for me to post. I set it up over a month ago and waited… just could not resist sharing ~ hope you enjoyed dear friend 🙂 ~R
October 8, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Certainly puts figs in a new light LOL
did enjoy it 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 11:36 AM
But wait – there’s more! Here’s a bit from a gardening perspective…… 🙂
http://www.esa.org/esablog/field/the-story-of-the-fig-and-its-wasp/
I’ve always loved figs. Consider I’m in heaven now, as my new place has several flourishing fig trees!
October 8, 2012 at 7:02 AM
Thank you for this eremophila! I am so sorry I just found this comment in my spam folder?! I am going to check out the fig story yo link right away… Yes – figs are special and in awe that your new place has wonderful fig trees on the property too!! Sending Love ~ Robyn
October 15, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Thanks for the secret!!
October 8, 2012 at 7:52 AM
haha Trac — and you were here for this sexy photo shoot – do you remember?? Little did you know…. they were yummy yes? : xo Love you!
October 8, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Your photo is wonderful and your writing is oh so erotic. I love figs! 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 10:02 AM
🙂 Thank you LuAnn… so appreciate – though all the erotic writing praise goes to D.H. Lawrence… me – I’m just blushing ;)…. but like you – I love figs — special fruit!! Sending warm thoughts your way ~ R
October 8, 2012 at 11:31 AM
This is a seductive fruit! It must be feminine in nature. I could not get enough of them when I was in California!
A delicious article…
October 8, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Thank you Eddie ~ ahhh – little did you know what that attraction was about — so happy to enlighten!! 🙂 ~ and welcome to my ‘healing lens’ btw ~R
October 8, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Thank you Robyn Lee. Your site is a delight
October 8, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Fascinating and lovely words! I did not know that about figs, and I won’t think of them in the same way again. 🙂
October 8, 2012 at 11:39 AM
🙂 Thank you Fergi … I know –may have influenced the perception/image of the Fig forevermore with this single post … fun to learn and explore together though. So appreciate x ~R
October 8, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Haha…I expected no less from The Lady Chatterley’s Lover! Well done Robyn for starting a fig revolution! Mine eyes have been opened. 😀 Sharon
October 8, 2012 at 2:16 PM
ooo Sharon yes~ ‘Lady Chattery’s Lover’ … I just read a synopsis — and now must add this novel to my reading list. Isn’t it amzing how one thing leads to the next? I thank you for reminding me. So pleased I could start a ‘fig revolution’ here on WordPress!! 🙂 Playful moments are a gift. Gratitude dear freind ~ Much Love x R
October 8, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Sensual Robyn! Lovely post my friend xx
October 8, 2012 at 2:53 PM
Thank you dear Ruth… I never know where a phtoto is going to lead me … but that is part of the fun I suppose ~ feeling it all!! xo Love to you always x
October 8, 2012 at 3:04 PM
What a fun post…nice to just jump in and indulge sometimes….:)
October 8, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Thank you so much Meryl… I needed to find my courage to press publish for this one… ;). I just can’t believe the places a simple photo can take us!!! Sending hugs –Rx
October 8, 2012 at 3:25 PM
So very fun Robyn, you go for it (tee hee) figs and d h lawrence, yes my of my. Do you know his history? I’m sorry this is just so fun. Oh love the photo by the way and really like your opening words. Okay I’m just laughing now, what’s in a word. This is so Great, lovin’ it dearest one! hugs and figs, I mean love your way! Penny xx
October 8, 2012 at 5:59 PM
I am laughing quite hysterically now… the women here are so brave with their comments – and the men … well, awfully shy ~ did you notice? 🙂 just read yours and Jane’s one after the other…. I did read up a bit on DH — quite the controversial fellow — he was confronting hot issues like emotional health, sexuality, instinct etc. before his time it seems…. Never read ‘Lady Cattery’s Lover’ and now considering… Still can’t get over how I take a picture of a plate of fresh figs and it ends up exposing me to this enriching education I might never otherwise have… I took mostly business courses in college – and counseling courses in grad school… this is like a whole new worldliness for me heehee! Love to you Penny dearest !
October 8, 2012 at 6:20 PM
You know what’s really interesting here is that many of our favorite or perhaps I should say, fascinating writers ever, were ones who mixed with a wide variety of different types of people! The best known is of course William Shakespeare (he mixed with all classes and people from other countries that came to London, to him they were all just really interesting people) but Lawrence had a certain mentality about himself (and was very close to his mother) and how he viewed women and life in general, and then he travelled and met up with a variety of cultures, further exploring the … mysteries of life! Although he only had really one love and was with her all his life. Oops sorry, end of history lesson. Yes it is interesting how your comments vary depending on …um whom is commenting! 🙂 I love this, how fun is blogging? The best!, Love right back atcha’ Robyn!
October 8, 2012 at 7:05 PM
Loved the history lesson Penny– really all so enriching to share and converse this way! As for DHL and women – I found some interesting quotes by him and put them in a comment to Jane below, who had wondered if he was a good lover 🙂 ~ xo Have a peaceful night dear Penny!
October 8, 2012 at 9:47 PM
You also my dear friend, I’ll bet he was Robyn. (giggle)! xx
October 8, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Wow! That e-mail sure got my attention! Beautiful prose and poetry and photos. I do not think that I have ever seen a fresh fig-I will never see them in the same way again and to eat one! So many ways. I wonder if D.H. was a good lover? Sigh…
October 8, 2012 at 6:00 PM
Thank you Jane — I’m smiling from your wondering… I had not thought about this…but now that you raise the question — I DO WONDER too!!! I will see if I can do more research – and considering reading his acclaimed novel, Lady Cattery’s Lover just to see if I can get a pulse on the man!!! There must be clues somewhere 🙂 lol!! So glad you enjoyed and got your attention today, I’m trying to keep myself distracted… can you tell? ~ sending hugs xo R
October 8, 2012 at 6:24 PM
Ok Jane… here are some clues – what you think? 🙂 xo R
“If I take my whole, passionate, spiritual and physical love to the woman who in return loves me, that is how I serve God. And my hymn and my game of joy is my work.” ~ D.H. Lawrence
“The cruelest thing a man can do to a woman is to portray her as perfection.” DHL
“We don’t exist unless we are deeply and sensually in touch with that which can be touched but not known.” DHL
“The great living experience for every man is his adventure into the woman. The man embraces in the woman all that is not himself, and from that one resultant, from that embrace, comes every new action.” DHL
October 8, 2012 at 6:46 PM
Lovely image, Robyn.
We had an enormous fig tree in the garden of my childhood home, so we took them for granted.
I can’t eat them now due to the tiny seeds causing pain, but they are a luscious treat for those who like them.
October 8, 2012 at 7:04 PM
Thank you Victoria ~ oh that sounds so amazing…to have your very own tree. I bet it was like candy for the children to be able to access such yummy treats so naturally – and with ease. True – we do take for granted what comes so to us so easily though… this I have learned! So sorry you need to avoid them now… I actually have some issues with eating figs too – not so much the seeds, but they are actually very very high in natural fructose sugars- which I’ve been told my system does not like in large quantities (glucose is fine though) … so I just limit my volume. Yes – luscious treat indeed ~ Sending Love xo
October 8, 2012 at 8:01 PM
Fantastic post!! So the neatest thing about figs (I confess, I am a biologist) is that they cannot survive without their symbiotic wasps. All figs have their wasps. There is even evidence that fig trees punish wasps that try to cheat (only entering one fig flower to lay their eggs instead of pollinating by entering a couple). They drop the flower of the cheater wasps so the eggs don’t get to hatch! Many might think this makes them less sexy, but there’s something to all that fertilization activity that I think adds to the sex appeal of the fig.
October 9, 2012 at 5:16 AM
Wow Jessica… I love to learn, and this was so interesting! I had done a bunch of research and saw there was a huge association with fertility… but guess I missed out on the explanation of the genuine biology. Yes I agree ~ adds to the sex appeal. Thank yo so much for this enriching information…makes the post even more meaningful I think! Sending healing and loving wishes your way today~ R
October 9, 2012 at 11:44 AM
What a yummy photo Robyn, reminds me of eating wild figs from trees in Turkey in the ’80’s! And as for the ladies parts…yes, figs do affect that part of the body! It’s not an exaggeration but a fact! have you seen the reports online about food affecting certain body parts that actually LOOK like those parts? Its a fascinating subject. Lots of love to you!
October 9, 2012 at 2:31 PM
Thank you dearest Yaz… wow – you got to eat wild fresh figs in Turkey… how fun and adventurous that sounds! No I did not realize that eating them had any impact 🙂 Oh my – now I have to do some research…. maybe a phytoestrogen thing? Or energetic somehow? How much I am learning here!! Love to you xo
October 9, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Delicious! In your poetry as well as in nature! 🙂
October 10, 2012 at 1:47 AM
So appreciate that Esenga ~ yes this was a poetic adventure for me too…. it always starts with the photo , but all the wonderful places it can go from there ~ glad you enjoyed ear one! ~R
October 10, 2012 at 10:32 PM
Your verse made me give a fig! Amazing what we see when we wish to see. Omens all around. The continuity of creation. Beautiful my friend.
October 10, 2012 at 4:20 PM
LOL Dan — I am so glad this caught your best attention. As I just sad to Esenga — it’s the photo that leads me — and boy this one took me on a pretty wild journey…. I agree about the Omens though — totally!! Thank you sweet man! xR
October 10, 2012 at 10:34 PM
you are so good in writing those educational poems Robyn 🙂 really liking this one as well 🙂 xxo
October 11, 2012 at 1:43 AM
Hmmmm …. I wonder if figs taste good dipped in melted chocolate … in the bath … (grins). Love your poem, Robyn! This made me smile! ~ Love and gentle hugs, Julie xoxox 🙂
October 13, 2012 at 12:36 PM
OMG Julie – Figs and Chocolate — and the Bath — I’m on the floor now 😉 So glad you had fun with this “controversial “ post ~ I was in a mood! LOL! Sending Love !
October 13, 2012 at 1:23 PM
I often have the image of a split open fig in my mind. Funny to see it here. Long story behind the image. I love this photo and your humor. Fun. 🙂
October 13, 2012 at 12:49 PM