Oct. 24th 1837

The Mould our Deeds Leave

Every part of nature teaches that the passing away of one life is the making room for another. The oak dies down to the ground, leaving within its rind a rich virgin mould, which will impart a vigorous life to an infant forest -- The pine leaves a sandy and sterile soil - the harder woods a strong and fruitful mould. --

So this constant abrasion and decay makes the soil of my future growth. As I live now so shall I reap. If I grow pines and birches, my virgin mould will not sustain the oak, but pines and birches, or, perchance, weeds and brambles, will constitute my second growth. --


-- H.D. Thoreau

I just picked up a bag covered in cat piss. I actually stood there for about twenty seconds staring at the bag, thinking, My hand is covered in cat piss before I could do anything.