Charles Burchfield, Journals, December 25, 1914

In speaking of the Coronation pageant, Fonseka said “Why all this tinsel and tissue paper?” I wonder if he was thinking only of pageant decorations. It would apply to other parts of our life. [People invariably love the artificial more than the natural. They respect superficiality more than deeper feelings. Most are content with a paper rose. Most buy the perfume in bottles. Rather than real friendship, they are content with superficial expression. They do not care if their acquaintances are sincere, as long as they pretend to be. I would rather have ten sincere enemies than a hundred palaverers.

So I go to nature when I want sincerity. In nature we not only find sincerity but also innocence. And when, on all sides I am beset with a palaver and artifice, I feel the need of drawing a long breath, I rambled the fields.

Mourning made beautiful by a feathery fall of starflakes. - and the afternoon by a wonderful blue and green sky.

Charles Burchfield, December 25, 1914