I draw near the land;
I begin to lie down and
stretch myself on it.

After my winter voyage
I begin to smell the land.

HDT ~ May 4, 1859

The finest days of the year –
days long enough and fair enough
for the worthiest deeds.

HDT ~ May 21, 1854

And now I first take
that peculiar winter walk –
sky under my feet.

HDT ~ December 13, 1859

Take an original and unprejudiced view of Nature. . . as the first men, and all children and natural men still do. February 28, 1860

Become a witness with unprejudiced senses to the order of the universe. January 11, 1857

Ignore or forget
all that men presume they know –
become a witness.

HDT ~ February 28, 1860

The year looks back to
summer and her face reflects
a summer smile.

HDT ~ December 1, 1852

Thorny bushes now
look more thorny than ever –
each thorn is prolonged.

HDT ~ December 26, 1855