Lift not the painted veil which those who liveCall Life: though unreal shapes be pictured there,And it but mimic all we would believeWith colours idly spread,—behind, lurk FearAnd Hope, twin Destinies; who ever weaveTheir shadows, o'er the chasm, sightless and drear.I knew one who had lifted it—he sought,For his lost heart was tender, things to … Continue reading Poem – “Lift Not the Painted Veil”
“When the King Enjoys His Own Again”
Apparently today there is a 'No Kings Day' protest going on across the country. Because if there's anything that characterizes the modern world in general and America in particular, it's an excess of irresponsible royal authority. Like most protests, it's a costly, dangerous, over-elaborate way for many people to declare as a body "I'm a … Continue reading “When the King Enjoys His Own Again”
Friday Flotsam: ‘Frankenstein’, ‘City in the Sky’, and ‘Animal Farm’
1. Western commentators see Africa as nothing but a really big Alabama. And most forget the 'really big' part. 2. I'm reading Frankenstein for school. It's not my first time reading it, but it is my first time in a while. This time through is confirming my past assessment, which is that the film is … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: ‘Frankenstein’, ‘City in the Sky’, and ‘Animal Farm’
Talking ‘Lilo and Stitch’ at the Everyman
My latest Everyman piece is up, discussing the butchering of Lilo and Stitch and what it says about modern culture: If you were to tell me that Disney has recently released a live-action remake of one of their animated classics, and then were to tell me that it’s an abomination against man and God that … Continue reading Talking ‘Lilo and Stitch’ at the Everyman
Quick Words on “Head Office”
1985's corporate satire Head Office is one of those frustrating films that has flashes of brilliance undermined by conventionality and substandard writing. The first ten minutes or so are bitingly hilarious, then the rest of the film mostly settles into predictability and tedium, going completely off the rails by the third act. After a stale … Continue reading Quick Words on “Head Office”
Poem – “The Outpost”
When evening cools the yellow stream,And shadows stalk the jungle’s ways,Zimbabwe’s palace flares ablazeFor a great King who fears to dream. For he alone of all mankindWaded the swamp that serpents shun;And struggling toward the setting sun,Came on the veldt that lies behind. No other eyes had vented thereSince eyes were lent for human sight—But … Continue reading Poem – “The Outpost”
Friday Flotsam: ‘A Separate Peace’ of ‘Lilo and Stitch’
1. I re-watched Lilo and Stitch the other night (since the abomination of a remake recently came out) and was reminded of just how a good a film that really is. It's one of those odd, ultra-creative, personal-seeming projects that blends elements that really don't seem like they would work together, but through skillful handling … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: ‘A Separate Peace’ of ‘Lilo and Stitch’
Poem – “While Hunting Night is Falling”
While hunting night is falling,So from the Weaver MaidLet us beg lodgingFor to the Riverbank of HeavenHave we come!-Ariwara no Narihira
Saturday Flotsam: Life, ‘The Big Combo’, etc.
1. I'm pretty much fully moved in to the new and improved apartment. There are the usual issues, like trying to get the internet working (I don't think I've ever moved anywhere without having internet issues), but those are slowly starting to be smoothed out. 2. Had a bad depression day this week: worst one … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Life, ‘The Big Combo’, etc.
Poem- “Arithmetic on the Frontier”
A great and glorious thing it isTo learn, for seven years or so,The Lord knows what of that and this,Ere reckoned fit to face the foe—The flying bullet down the Pass,That whistles clear: "All flesh is grass." Three hundred pounds per annum spentOn making brain and body meeterFor all the murderous intentComprised in "villainous saltpetre".And … Continue reading Poem- “Arithmetic on the Frontier”
Serpent's Den 