Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), May Song of the Swamp, 1962; watercolor on paper, 48 x 38 inches; Private Collection
On my walks to and from work I often think of the old Salem days, with something of regret for the lost bottom-lands of the Little Beaver. I miss the rattling swamp at sunset time when the birds are calling cozily twittering as if in lazy conversations. But I have daily reminders of these things. My little babies sound like little birds and often make me think of the swamp noises – Mary Alice with little songs and jabberings and Martha with her cooings and rasping calls for attention.
Charles Burchfield, November 10, 1924