Over the land freckled with snow half-thawed_x000D_ _x000D_ The speculating rooks at their nests cawed_x000D_ _x000D_ And saw from elm tops, delicate as flower of grass,_x000D_ _x000D_ What we below could not see, Winter pass.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the transition from winter to spring, highlighting the contrast between what nature sees and what humans perceive.
Edward Thomas's quote beautifully captures the moment of seasonal change as winter begins to recede. It evokes the image of rooks observing the subtleties of nature from above, suggesting that they can see signs of spring that those on the ground cannot. This distinction leads to a deeper appreciation of the transitions and transformations that occur in nature, often unnoticed by us.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the beauty of seasonal changes in nature.
After all, sustainability means running the global environment - Earth Inc. - like a corporation: with depreciation, amortization and maintenance accounts. In other words, keeping the asset whole, rather than undermining your natural capital.
Men need to know the elemental challenges that sea and mountains present. They need to know what it is to be alive and to survive when great storms come. They need to unlock the secrets of streams, lakes, and canyons and to find how these treasures are veritable storehouses of inspiration. They must experience the sense of mastery of adversity. They must find a peak or a ridge that they can reach under their own power alone.
Autumn clouds, vague and obscure; The evening, lonely and chill. I felt the dampness on my garments, But saw no spot, and heard no sound of rain.
The shortage of fresh water is the major ecological problem of this moment.
White in the moon the long road lies.
Wildflowers are the stuff of my heart!
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