Thoreau

Daguerreotype of Thoreau, taken in June 1856. He is 39 years old.


they were speaking
about thoreau
and comparing
favored passages.

and she was reminded
of the time she discovered
his daguerreotype
in the national portrait gallery.

his gaze was arresting
and when she drew closer
she heard him whisper to her
"go confidently in the
direction of your dreams."

and she paused,
absorbing this.

"okay," she whispered back,
readying her leave,
"but, just one thing, henry.
explain the beard."

and she could have sworn
he snorted with laughter
as she left the room.