Charles Burchfield, Journals, August 1, 1914

Sulphur water at once works harm. The water is a sickly rust color. There is nothing to indicate health. The water remains shallow for quite a distance and the shores are pebbled with yellow stones.

How different is the scene to the north. The water deep and green, the shores overgrown with luxuriant grasses, pondlillies, wild onion & feathery willows.

The surface is glassy & mirrors the sky well. Now and then suckers leap half out of the water—what an evidence of spontaneous joy in life this is—and momentarily ruffles the water with rings.

I saw no suckers in the sulphured portion.

The same effect comes in our thoughts when sulphur streams flow in. Marcus Aurelius has it: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly.”

Charles Burchfield, August 1, 1914