Happy Earth Day
Thomas Paine, a few photos and great hopes
Contentment; Or, If You Please, Confession
by Thomas Paine
O could we always live and love,
And always be sincere,
I would not wish for heaven above,
My heaven would be here.
Though many countries I have seen,
And more may chance to see,
My Little Corner of the World
Is half the world to me;
The other half, as you may guess,
America contains;
And thus, between them, I possess
The whole world for my pains.
I’m then contented with my lot,
I can no happier be;
For neither world I’m sure has got
So rich a man as me.
Then send no fiery chariot down
To take me off from hence,
But leave me on my heavenly ground—
This prayer is common-sense.
Let others choose another plan,
I mean no fault to find;
The true theology of man
Is happiness of mind.
Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born American philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary. He is best known as the author of Common Sense (1776)
Below are a few pictures from my travels. Always searching for something greater than ourselves. Happy Earth Day everyone.
Those photos, Patti. Magnificent. The trees in the foreground of the Ulluru photo look like beings coming to assembly, in the thrall of nature, beguiled by its beauty, honouring its majesty.
Thank you Patti,
Since childhood, I have felt more connected to the natural world than to society.
I do not often comment here, as my job demands much time. Today is different because Star Baby, the shy one of the two kittens that came to live with me in September, came onto my desk 25 minutes ago and is resting with her head on my left wrist. Because this is so rare, we are taking time to type this one handed and let my work take a backseat for now.
I did enjoy a short walk in the woods at Old North Hibbing earlier.
I wish I could be there to hear your poetry this evening.
Happy Earth Day to you and all on here.