“Wherever forests have not been mowed down, wherever the animal is recessed in their quiet protection, wherever the earth is not bereft of four-footed life – that to the white man is an ‘unbroken wilderness.’
But for us there was no wilderness, nature was not dangerous but hospitable, not forbidding but friendly. Our faith sought the harmony of man with his surroundings; the other sought the dominance of surroundings.
For us, the world was full of beauty; for the other, it was a place to be endured until he went to another world.
But we were wise. We knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.”
― Chief Luther Standing Bear
Photography by Ajua Hawkins.
Copyright 2014 Ajua Hawkins.
Awesome tree – where is it?
This is on the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Beautiful area. I drive by it almost every day.
A treemendous photo op, Ajua! 🙂 The quote is sadly too true.
Civilized to endure the sufferings in Paradise Spot #1,
in the hope of passing on to Spot #2, where
the grass will be greener, and the sky bluer.
Thank you! I love going down to the river and just sitting or taking a book or painting. So soothing. It’s my little slice of heaven on earth. The quote is profound. I love nature so much. Peace to you my friend!
Profound insight. Thanks for sharing.
Aunt Pat (and I love the tree)
You’re welcome Aunt Pat. Sending you a big hug! (I love the tree too!)