Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 30, 1922

Friday night on the trip home. Youngstown Bertha & Martin meet me – the trip to Salem. The strangeness of my room which knows me no longer. There is a sadness about the familiarity of old scenes which are no longer a part of my life –; Saturday the talk with Mother about financial affairs – Sat afternoon music on the victrola recalling old moods – Sat evening – Kenreich’s in cards & laughter –; Saturday night & Sunday at Kenreich’s – I do not find it possible to write even in the privacy of my diary of my love for Bertha – To put it down in words would seem to destroy its sacredness – But it has opened up to my ideas the existence of which I never before dreamed.; My conception of God has been changed – I never had any idea of the real beauty of love – I have commenced to think about immortality – There is nothing in life compared to loving a girl whose presence can both inspire the loftiest ideas, together with the most common fellowship of laughter and contentment.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 30, 1922