received in an email a few months ago...no doubt some of you saw it...

" A class of elementary students wanted to make planters to take home. It was important to have plants that were easy to take care of in them, so was it decided to use cactus plants. The students planted the cactus seeds in the planters, and they grew nicely. Unfortunately, the students were not allowed to take them home. See attachment to see why. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The cactus plants were removed and small ivy plants replaced them. The children were then allowed to take their planters home."

http://users.starpower.net/extree/It_seemed_like_a_good_idea_1.jpg

and somewhere I acquired this photographic comment on the more sublime meanings inherent in natural wonders.