This is Throwback Thursday #54. In these, we look back into the past at ESCONI specifically and Earth Science in general. If you have any contributions, (science, pictures, stories, etc ...), please sent them to [email protected]. Thanks!
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This poem appeared in the November 1958 edition of the ESCONI newsletter. The El Paso Mineral and Gem Society is still alive and kicking.... since 1947, which is 2 years before the founding of ESCONI. Unfortunately, no mention of their newsletter, Harry Zollars, or "Agate Pete".
The poem is a little morbid at times, but the message is clear - enjoy nature and preserve it. Respect the plants and animals around you, and if you want to collect something... collect the rocks and bring them home, not "living" nature.
BETTER TO BE A ROCKHOUND
Better far to be Rockhound
And to stones more beauty give
Than to take, maim and destroy
Things which blossom, grow and live.
To observe wild things of Nature,
From them gain a soul-free thrill,
Enjoy their color, grace and beauty
Rather than the urge to kill.
Better far to be Rockhound
And to scale a mountain steep
To bring back a lovely agate
Rather than a goat or sheep.
To see the stone's fine pattern
In sunlight's warming glow
Than to see the life-blood flowing,
Staining red the drifted snow.
"Agate Pete"
(Harry Zollars - Editor "The Voice"
El Paso Mineral and Gem Society)
