Dream at dawn: Out in the country by an abandoned house. Suddenly in the north appeared a great flock of eagles. A beautiful sight – they passed over the house and suddenly lit in a great elm tree (which was bare of leaves), although it was summer) – which they filled – large handsome gray & black birds, majestic – lit up by a westering sun. At times a sun-filled haze floated in front of the tree, blotting them out, then as it dissolved, they slowly reappeared.
Waking, I got to thinking that such a vivid dream is just as valid as an actual experience. From the latter all that ever remains is a memory. I have just as strong a memory of the dream, and where could I ever in actual life, see hundreds of eagles together?
Charles E. Burchfield, September 25, 1949