The Journals of Lewis and Clark- Journal #1

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     This week for class, we were tasked with our first readings in Norton's Book of Nature Writing, starting with entries from the journals of Lewis and Clark, and excerpts from Luther Standing Bear's books. Although the Lewis and Clark entries were a bit difficult to read, due to the lack of punctuation and broken English, it was remarkable to hear how the two men viewed the United States as they explored the country for the first time. 

There is a novelty and wonder to the sights they are encountering, particularly in the description of the waterfall in the latter journal entries. I was struck by the inner turmoil the writer feels in struggling to put words to the beauty he sees, and his frustration with his words not matching the splendor of the waterfall. The writer says "I could not perhaps succeed better than penning the first impressions of the mind", reminding the reader that our rawest emotions and words are often the best descriptor of the beauty we see (102). Lewis and Clark seem to regard nature with an ethereal vision, making the earth sound complex, orchestrated by something greater, and entirely too magical to comprehend. My favorite portion of their entries comes on Friday, May 31st, 1805: 

"As we passed on it seems as if those seens of visionary enchantment would never have and [an] end; for here it is too that nature presents to the view of the traveler vast ranges of walls of tolerable workmanship, so perfect indeed are those walls that I should have thought nature had attempted here to rival the human art of masonry had I not recollected that she had first began her work" (101).

    As someone whose Christian faith is integral to all they do, this passage reminded me of the Creator's hand, and how He has orchestrated the earth to reflect His majesty and splendor. I am reminded that the works of human hands, and the art/beauty we create is merely an attempt to showcase a shadow of the creation around us, and the natural beauty we have the privilege to be surrounded by each and everyday. This same wonder still exists, even if we are not exploring a new land as Lewis and Clark were; wonder can exist in our own backyard, especially when we walk in step with the Creator.

Comments

  1. williams.dan76September 5, 2023 at 11:24 AM

    Thanks for posting. I appreciate your reflection on the Lewis text. I know it's a problem to read with its crude spelling and language, and I am grateful you stuck with it and found parallels with your experiences and faith. Great first post.

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