Just the other morning, I was contemplating the beauty of the city at sunrise, how it wears the beauty of the morning like a garment; how even in its most natural setting, the sun did not seem so beautiful as when in harmony with cities, the creation of man.
When I think of the people who live in and built this city, though, I am filled with disgust. The people are stagnant, in all walks of life, whether they choose the path of the altar, sword, or pen. We are selfish men, wasting our powers on getting and spending, ignoring the beauty of nature all around us, even in the city. We are out of tune with nature, and it is a horrible thing. We may consider ourselves good Christians, with good values and morals, but we fail to consider and revere nature, something so simplistic and beautiful that even savage pagans knew its importance!
It makes me sick.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I have been at one with nature so often as of late!
I was walking with my dear sister Dorothy along Lake Ullswater when all at once I saw a crowd of golden daffodils dancing in the breeze! They were so beautiful, so plentiful, and I gazed and could not but be gay surrounded by such happy flowers.
Even better, this sight has brought me joy beyond the initial; lately, whenever I may strike upon a vacant mood, all it takes is a flash upon that inward eye of those daffodils, and my heart with pleasure fills.
I saw Caroline today
What a precious young girl she has become. I am pleased to be her father, but at once, not pleased; I have not been there for her and raised her as a father should. Walking along the beach with her tonight, and enjoying the beauty of the night, nature, and my child, I hope that she will value nature highly when she is grown. I wrote her this poem.
IT is a beauteous evening, calm and free,
The holy time is quiet as a Nun
Breathless with adoration; the broad sun
Is sinking down in its tranquillity;
The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea:
Listen! the mighty Being is awake,
And doth with his eternal motion make
A sound like thunder--everlastingly.
Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,
If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,
Thy nature is not therefore less divine:
Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year;
And worship'st at the Temple's inner shrine,
God being with thee when we know it not.
Therefore, my dear daughter, although I cannot be with you, I hope this much for you. Hold on to your child's reverence for nature. Soak it in, become closer to God simply by breathing in this salty air. Don't allow high thoughts to cause you to demean this essential force which we are all a part of. The best to you, my small love.
IT is a beauteous evening, calm and free,
The holy time is quiet as a Nun
Breathless with adoration; the broad sun
Is sinking down in its tranquillity;
The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea:
Listen! the mighty Being is awake,
And doth with his eternal motion make
A sound like thunder--everlastingly.
Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,
If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,
Thy nature is not therefore less divine:
Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year;
And worship'st at the Temple's inner shrine,
God being with thee when we know it not.
Therefore, my dear daughter, although I cannot be with you, I hope this much for you. Hold on to your child's reverence for nature. Soak it in, become closer to God simply by breathing in this salty air. Don't allow high thoughts to cause you to demean this essential force which we are all a part of. The best to you, my small love.
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