Some one came knockingAt my wee, small door;Some one came knocking,I’m sure—sure—sure;I listened, I opened,I looked to left and right,But nought there was a-stirringIn the still dark night;Only the busy beetleTap-tapping on the wall,Only from the forestThe screech-owl’s call,Only the cricket whistlingWhile the dewdrops fall,So I know not who came knocking, At all, at all, … Continue reading Poem – “Some One”
Friday Flotsam: Last Week, Sabaton
1. Came down with a bad cold this week, leaving my classes as something of a Nyquil-fueled haze. 2. Legend Haven was mostly a success and a good time. My small talk was sparsely attended and even more sparsely participated in, but I was able to get some good industry information and hopefully spark a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Last Week, Sabaton
Poem – “October”
Mellow-faced, with eyes of faery, wistful clad in tinted leaves,See the brown October tarry by the golden rows of sheaves;Oak & acorn in his garland, fruit & wineskin in his hands,Mystic pilgrim from a far land down the road to farther lands. Softly treading, gently breathing, casting spells on wood & wold,Vines with purple clusters … Continue reading Poem – “October”
Friday Flotsam: Legend Haven, More History, and Some Storycraft
1. Legend Haven, the friendliest fiction convention in the galaxy, is happening this weekend, and I will be there! The con runs from Saturday to Sunday, but all my stuff will be on Sunday, the 19th. I will be hosting an open booth, ask-me-anything from 12-3 MST (so, 3-6 EST), followed by a discussion / … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Legend Haven, More History, and Some Storycraft
Close Call
The Articles of Confederation, which served as the US Constitution from 1781 to 1789, were designed to give the Congress essentially the powers relative to the States that the Revolutionaries claimed they thought the British government should have relative to the colonies. Among these was that the Congress had no right to imposes taxes, only … Continue reading Close Call
Poem – “The Light of Stars”
The night is come, but not too soon; And sinking silently,All silently, the little moon Drops down behind the sky. There is no light in earth or heaven But the cold light of stars;And the first watch of night is given To the red planet Mars. Is it the tender star of love? The star of love and dreams?O no! … Continue reading Poem – “The Light of Stars”
Friday Flotsam: Washington, ‘Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Odyssey’
1. My judgment is that the American Revolution was one of the stupidest, most asinine and unnecessary revolts in history. And yet, the figure of Washington gilds this absurdity with such sublime heroism that it nearly outweighs every other consideration. I think that might be a good summation of the American character: objective absurdity overlaid … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Washington, ‘Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Odyssey’
Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
(Written on the occasion of the attempt to assassinate Queen Victoria in March 1882) From every quarter of your landThey give God thanks who turned awayDeath and the needy madman’s hand,Death-fraught, which menaced you that day. One school of many made to makeMen who shall hold it dearest rightTo battle for their ruler’s sake,And stake … Continue reading Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
Sunday Sundry: A Little Politics and The Little Prince
1. This year was my first time reading The Little Prince, at least in full (I'd read sections of it before). That has already become one of my Golden Books; one of the most beautiful, dream-like descriptions of love and innocence that I've ever read. It's short, but as dense as solid gold. 2. "And … Continue reading Sunday Sundry: A Little Politics and The Little Prince
Poem – “Drinking Song from the Tomb”
Come hither my lads with your tankards of ale,And drink to the present before life should failPile each on your platter a mountain of beef,Cos it's eating and drinking what brings us reliefSo fill up your glass, for life will soon pass,When you're dead you'll ne'er drink to your king nor your lass,Anacreon had a … Continue reading Poem – “Drinking Song from the Tomb”
Serpent's Den 