When I was 18 I worked with the Ringling Brothers circus, taking care of menagerie animals. I used to rather deliberately risk my life with the big cats. Edward Hoagland animalbigbrother Change image and share on social
Once I climbed into a mountain lion's cage and she bounded at me and put her paw on my face, but she kept her claws withdrawn. Edward Hoagland boundcageclaw Change image and share on social
City people try to buy time as a rule, when they can, whereas country people are prepared to kill time, although both try to cherish in their mind's eye the notion of a better life ahead. Edward Hoagland aheadbuycherish Change image and share on social
Land of opportunity, land for the huddled masses where would the opportunity have been without the genocide of those Old Guard, bristling Indian tribes? Edward Hoagland bristlegenocideguard Change image and share on social
Country people do not behave as if they think life is short; they live on the principle that it is long, and savor variations of the kind best appreciated if most days are the same. Edward Hoagland appreciatebehavecountry Change image and share on social
Many people have believed that they were Chosen, but none more baldly than the Texans. Edward Hoagland baldlybelievechoose Change image and share on social
Animals are stylized characters in a kind of old saga - stylized because even the most acute of them have little leeway as they play out their parts. Edward Hoagland acuteanimalcharacter Change image and share on social
There were periods during my childhood when I stammered so badly I couldn't talk at all. Edward Hoagland badlychildhoodperiod Change image and share on social
Black bears, though, are not fearsome. I encountered one on the road to my house in Vermont, alone at night. I picked up two stones just in case, but I wasn't afraid of him. I felt a hunter's exhilaration and a brotherly feeling. Edward Hoagland afraidbearblack share on social
A writer's work is to witness things. Edward Hoagland thingwitnesswork Change image and share on social
