I am the very model of a modern Major-General,I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral,I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historicalFrom Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news,With many … Continue reading Poem – “Modern Major-General”
Author: DBreitenbeck
Sunday Flotsam
1. I seem to be doing a lot of Sunday flotsams these days. 2. The first requirement for intelligent political discourse is to distinguish political thought from political rhetoric. That is, we have to set aside the buzzwords and loaded language ('racist', 'imperialist', 'exploitative', 'equality', and, especially, 'liberty') and make it clear what concrete realities … Continue reading Sunday Flotsam
Poem – “Birches”
When I see birches bend to left and rightAcross the lines of straighter darker trees,I like to think some boy’s been swinging them.But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stayAs ice-storms do. Often you must have seen themLoaded with ice a sunny winter morningAfter a rain. They click upon themselvesAs the breeze rises, and turn … Continue reading Poem – “Birches”
Saturday Flotsam: Easter Events and Amerigo Vespucci
1. Of course, the major news this week is the death of the Holy Father. My own opinion of Pope Francis's pontificate is completely irrelevant; let us all pray for his soul and for the upcoming conclave. 2. That and... 3. I successfully made it through a 'Black Fast' this Triduum; fasting from Holy Thursday … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Easter Events and Amerigo Vespucci
Poem – “Concord Hymn”
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,Here once the embattled farmers stood,And fired the shot heard round the world. The foe long since in silence slept;Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;And Time the ruined bridge has sweptDown the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft … Continue reading Poem – “Concord Hymn”
250 Years On
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,Here once the embattled farmers stoodAnd fired the shot heard round the world-Ralph Waldo Emerson Exactly two hundred and fifty years ago today, British soldiers under Lt. Col. Francis Smith were sent by governor Thomas Gage to seize a stockpile of weapons which … Continue reading 250 Years On
Good Friday: No Flotsam
Fast and Pray
Poem – “Courtesy”
Of Courtesy, it is much lessThan Courage of Heart or Holiness,Yet in my Walks it seems to meThat the Grace of God is in Courtesy. On Monks I did in Storrington fall,They took me straight into their Hall;I saw Three Pictures on a wall,And Courtesy was in them all. The first the Annunciation;The second the … Continue reading Poem – “Courtesy”
‘Discarded Image’ Commentary – Part Three
Part Three of my commentary on C.S. Lewis's The Discarded Image is finally up at my Substack. Parts One and Two can be found Here and Here. Chapters three and four of The Discarded Image deal with some of the chief sources of the Medieval Model. Lewis starts off by stating that a thorough examination … Continue reading ‘Discarded Image’ Commentary – Part Three
Palm Sunday Flotsam: Christ’s Majesty and Lesser Matters
1. On Palm Sunday, Christ enters Jerusalem as a conquering king, His way strewn with palms. But He is a most unusual king: riding unarmed upon a borrowed donkey, His retinue being a motley bunch of fishermen, zealots, and ex-tax collectors. And when He enters the city, He does not take His seat or meet … Continue reading Palm Sunday Flotsam: Christ’s Majesty and Lesser Matters
Serpent's Den 