''The invariable mark of wisdom is
to see the miraculous in the common.'' – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Born in Boston on May 25, 1803,
Emerson became known as The Sage of Boston for his myriad essays, philosophical
treatises and thoughtful poems.
"Trust
thyself" was both Emerson's motto and the code of writers like Margaret
Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, and W. E. Channing. And while he was not best known for his
poetry, his prose was written in a poetic style of recurring themes and
images. His often-shared essay,
"Self-Reliance," encourages readers to explore relationships with
Nature and God while trusting their own judgment above all others. For Saturday’s Poem, here is Emerson’s,
Fable
The
mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel;
And the former called the latter "Little Prig."
Squirrel replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it's no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ: all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
Had a quarrel;
And the former called the latter "Little Prig."
Squirrel replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it's no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ: all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
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