Across the Spectrum:The Interdisciplinary Life and Letters of John G. Neihardt (‘Flaming Rainbow’)

March 28, 6'4

I'm a bit worried about you. When you last wrote, Bower was not well, and I could feel that you were very busy. (When aren't you?) It's not that I feel you "owe" me a letter. You don't "owe" me anything; but I don't want you to be sick.

Somehow or other, I don't have anything wrong with me (except eye-trouble and the accident). No cold in six years! How is it possible?

I wish you could see The Twilight of the Sioux on TV. Lucile, it really is

good. The stuff even holds me. People like it too. We're now through the preliminary programs on Sioux culture and are in the Wagon Box Fight.

I must send you Auslander's letter on the Cycle. My golly! He surely went "all out", and no qualifications.

My Poetry class is very nice. They are good young people. I hope I can do them some good. At least, I can arouse the suspicion that this life is far more wonderful than it sometimes seems. How we do need knowledge of continuing life!! We have the data, but the time-mood is negative.

Are you really planning on my coming out there?

I was glad to hear from Perky. She may not really remember me but I remember her with pleasure. My Lassie is almost ridiculously human-like, as a result of being alone with me so much.

Since she was spayed she has gained weight and her hair has become beautiful. She takes good care of me and does all necessary barking by night and day. Also, she attacks suspicious-looking people. Otherwise, she is a perfect lady, a gracious hostess; and she always shakes hands with guests — both coming and going.

I don't like you, so I'll end my letter abruptly and haughtily.

I enclose some earlier obiter dicta.