He Wears the Rose/Of Youth Upon Him

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)