I seem to be on a road, walking, greeting the hedgerows, the rose-hips, the apples and thorn. I seem to be on a road, walking, familiar with neighbors, high-handed with cattle, smelling the sea, and alone. Already, I know the names of things. I can kick a stone.
In Annie Dillard's "Holy the Firm," the narrator expresses a personal journey through the natural world, vividly describing the landscape and its elements. As they walk along a road, they encounter various details of nature, such as hedgerows and rose-hips, which evoke a sense of familiarity and connection to their surroundings. This imagery illustrates their deepening awareness of the environment around them.
The narrator also reflects on their solitude, acknowledging a sense of independence while still remaining engaged with the world. The mention of knowing names and being able to interact with their environment by kicking a stone signifies a growing appreciation for the simple, everyday experiences, highlighting the beauty and complexity of life along the road.
