I've decided to try to restrict my political musings to Wednesday, that being a day well-suited for such a woeful child as this. "We the People...." I happen this morning to have thought of that famous John Adams quote: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to … Continue reading Wednesday Political Thoughts
Quick Thoughts on ‘The Last Unicorn’
I'm up in Maine visiting the niece and nephew this week, and for movie night tonight we watched The Last Unicorn. The film has a very high reputation, but honestly, I wasn't impressed by it. Oh, it's interesting, and I think I'm glad I saw it, there are a lot of good ideas in it, … Continue reading Quick Thoughts on ‘The Last Unicorn’
Poetry – The Nightmare Song (from ‘Iolanthe’)
When you're lying awakeWith a dismal headache,And repose is taboo'd by anxiety,I conceive you may useAny language you chooseTo indulge in, without impropriety; For your brain is on fireThe bedclothes conspireOf usual slumber to plunder you:First your counterpane goes,And uncovers your toes,And your sheet slips demurely from under you; Then the blanketing tickles—You feel like … Continue reading Poetry – The Nightmare Song (from ‘Iolanthe’)
Friday Flotsam: Federalist Papers Again (Sorry)
1. The past few months have felt strangely repetitive and empty. I seem to have fallen onto a psychological cycle wherein little is done, but the same patterns repeat. I haven't written much lately, though constantly intending to. I find myself unable to relax into any kind of work, that is, to let go of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Federalist Papers Again (Sorry)
Poem – “Brown Bess”
In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocadeBrown Bess was a partner whom none could despise –An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes –At Blenheim and Ramillies fops would confessThey were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess. Though her sight was not long and … Continue reading Poem – “Brown Bess”
In Flanders Fields
For Armistice Day / Veterans Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQmMqZlLFVc
Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
1. I'm generally not very fond of the lesson plans I'm given, or the readings. That is, a lot of the readings are fine in themselves, but odd choices for the subject. In US History and Literature class, for instance, my students are reading a book about the Carmelite martyrs of Compiegne, written by a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
Poem – “The Beginnings”
It was not part of their blood,It came to them very lateWith long arrears to make good,When the English began to hate. They were not easily moved,They were icy-willing to waitTill every count should be proved,Ere the English began to hate. Their voices were even and low,Their eyes were level and straight.There was neither sign … Continue reading Poem – “The Beginnings”
Friday Flotsam: O’Connor, FNAF, and History
1. This week's personal reading was largely Flannery O'Connor, in all her dense, opaquely-grotesque images of grace. She operates on a high, inaccessible plateau of authorship in which the reader is required to make a firm commitment to not only follow her often intense prose and plots, but also to take the time afterwards to … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: O’Connor, FNAF, and History
Announcement: Cirsova 2024
I'm a bit behind on this, but an exciting announcement: my story Black Eyes - featuring the debut of a character I've had on the back-burner for a long time - will be featured in Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense next year; the winter edition ('Superior Griefs, Part 4). That means it … Continue reading Announcement: Cirsova 2024
Serpent's Den 