Prowling his own quiet backyard or asleep by the fire, he is still only a whisker away from the wilds

Prowling his own quiet backyard or asleep by the fire, he is still only a whisker away from the wilds

Jean Burden was a renowned American poet and animal rights activist who had a deep connection with nature and wildlife. Her poetry often reflected her love for animals and the natural world, and she was known for her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the animal kingdom in her work. One of her most famous quotes, "Prowling his own quiet backyard or asleep by the fire, he is still only a whisker away from the wilds," perfectly encapsulates her belief in the inherent wildness and untamed spirit that exists within all living creatures.

For Burden, animals were not just pets or companions, but beings with their own unique personalities, instincts, and desires. She believed that even the most domesticated of animals still retained a connection to their wild ancestors, a primal energy that could never be fully tamed or extinguished. Whether it was a house cat stalking a bird in the backyard or a dog curled up by the fireplace, Burden saw in these everyday moments a reminder of the wildness that lurked just beneath the surface.

In her poetry, Burden often explored the themes of freedom, captivity, and the struggle for survival in the natural world. She wrote about the beauty of a bird in flight, the power of a predator on the hunt, and the resilience of animals in the face of adversity. Through her words, she sought to remind her readers of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world.