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We now present excerpts from “Tablets” by Amos Bronson Alcott (vegan). Within these lines, we find the joy of gardening and it’s deep, harmonious connection with nature and the Divine. Book 1: Practical The Garden Pleasures “‘Days may conclude with nights, and suns may rest As dead within the west, Yet the next morn regilds the fragrant east.’ I know not how it is with others, to me the spring’s invitations are irresistible. I may be scholarly inclined, and my tasks indoors delightful, yet my garden claims me, monopolizing all my morning hours; and I know for me has come the season’s summons which I shall not set aside: no, not for studies nor hospitalities which become rivals for my time and attentions. My garden waits; is the civiller host, the better entertainer. Then I have a religion in this business, and duties must waive compliments. […]‘Me, let my poverty to ease resign When my bright hearth reflects its blazing cheer, In season let me plant the pliant vine, And, with light hand, my swelling apples rear.’ Such toils are wholesome. One cannot afford to dispense with their income of vigor. Then they fill the days with varied business, the mind gliding from head to hands, from hands to head, in pleasing interludes, to pour for him so deep a draught of Lethe, and so refreshing, that the morning breaks only to release the sleeper to begin anew his labors with the old enthusiasm. Even the stiffness of his fatigues promotes rectitude and probity of carriage: his hearty affection for his pursuit, shedding luster on all he takes in hand. […]His is no mere cloud tillage, nor unproductive earth culture. The firmament overhead reflects its luster in his mind, the mists ascend there from the watered ground beneath, and he sows the mingled sense and sunshine over his fields, enriching both them and himself. He takes account of the double harvest of profits: both rewarding him for his pleasures and painstakings.”
