Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, Vol. 21, October 28, 1914

                                                                    Oct. 28, 1914.
     The second of cold windy soul-bracing days. Yesterday light airy snow flurries. I have not observed much today as my mind was disturbed by futility of thus my efforts kin my school work. One impression was vivid however, and that was a dense smoke-fog that pervaded the woods beyond the Green.
     Yesterday afternoon Joel, Bob, Travis & I got to Keller’s Exhibition at Korner & Woods. Travis & I discuss various topics agreeing, rarely, which forms the basis of whatever attraction exists between us. Keller’s exhibit fine. He has the paganistic love of nature for her beauty — art for art’s sake. I was lost in his sea bird pictures.
     Evening to Hippodrome.
     An evening wasted.
     Today unable to concentrate. Unhappy I leave at 3:30 & meet Bob who was bewailing the loss of $3.50 worth of paint. We walk thru Park. Socialism our subject.
     Twilight dark & cloudy. A cold dampish wind from south.
     What beauty do I see in life now that I have lost an active interest in an afterlife. The beauty and grandeur of nature for her own sake & the joy to portray her.
     Have I a soul? In so far as I am in tune with the harmonious music color and rhythm of nature losing which my soul (so called) is lost, tho I live on externally.
--Charles E. Burchfield, October 28, 1914