Spirit of Endurance 1937 Harold Cazneaux
Posted: February 10th, 2016, 2:31 pm
In May 1941 Cazneaux reportedly wrote:
This giant gum tree stands in solitary grandeur
on a lonely plateau in the arid Flinders Ranges, South Australia,
where it has grown up from a sapling through the years,
and long before the shade from its giant limbs ever gave shelter from heat to white men.
The passing of the years has left it scarred and marked by the elements – storm, fire, water, – unconquered,
it speaks to us from a Spirit of Endurance.
Although aged, its widespread limbs speak of a vitality that will carry on for many more years.
One day, when the sun shone hot and strong, I stood before this giant in silent wonder and admiration.
The hot wind stirred its leafy boughs,
and some of the living elements of this tree passed to me in understanding and friendliness expressing
The Spirit of Australia.
This giant gum tree stands in solitary grandeur
on a lonely plateau in the arid Flinders Ranges, South Australia,
where it has grown up from a sapling through the years,
and long before the shade from its giant limbs ever gave shelter from heat to white men.
The passing of the years has left it scarred and marked by the elements – storm, fire, water, – unconquered,
it speaks to us from a Spirit of Endurance.
Although aged, its widespread limbs speak of a vitality that will carry on for many more years.
One day, when the sun shone hot and strong, I stood before this giant in silent wonder and admiration.
The hot wind stirred its leafy boughs,
and some of the living elements of this tree passed to me in understanding and friendliness expressing
The Spirit of Australia.
