Zephyr (pronounced zef-uhr ) is a pleasing word that means a gentle or westerly breeze. Zephyr derives from the name of the Greek god of the west wind, Zephyrus. Many poets have eulogized Zephyrus, like Geoffrey Chaucer did in “The Canterbury Tales” ~ When also Zephyrus with his sweet breath /Exhales an air in every grove and heath. From there the term zephyr was created to describe the light, pleasing, airy breezes that tend to arrive in the Spring and continue on through the Summer. I’m sure we all have a memory of two of a hot afternoon made beautiful by the soft kiss of a cool breeze that flutters in through open windows and sends the sweet sound of wind-chimes tinkling oh, so gently with their songs – that’s a zephyr. I can think if few things more euphorically enticing then being in the presence of a zephyr. To feel a zephyr’s caress upon your skin and inhale it’s reviving air is to know pure bliss.
The torpid air now breaths a sigh / as a zephyr fills the sky. / So gently does it become known / a soft caress as it finds home. / The curtains dance a docile sway / as the sweetness comes my way. / My hair it lifts with gentle skill / my skin it kisses / my senses thrill. / My heart it cossets / my spirits soar / as this gentle breeze restores. / What was weighty now is light / what seemed lost is now in sight. / The turbulent dullness has broken wide /as now a lithe tranquility resides… ~ Ella
Zephyr is one of my all time favorite words and one of my favorite parts of nature. Even as I write this a sweet, late Summer zephyr is circulating through the room from the open windows and causing my heart to swell with joy. What do you think of the word zephyr?
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 