The Japanese expression "Takane no Hana" can be literally translated as "flower on a high peak." Its deeper cultural meaning is explained in the book 101 Japanese Idioms (by Michael L. Maynard and Senko K. Maynard, available from Passport Books):

"Wistfully, a prize you can see but simply cannot reach. The beautiful flower is so far away that there is no real hope of picking it. Used to describe the object of desire which is completely out of reach."

I was listening to Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour"...one of my all-time favorite songs...and thought of "Takane no Hana." Combining his lyrics with the Bible I portrait above seemed like a natural choice, and I hope you enjoy it.

Mike DeAngelis, 7/31/00