Interesting little video on the relationship between wolves and ravens, which scientists apparently still don't really understand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAtq1j9yz7w&ab_channel=ProjectDarkWolf Classic animal motifs and pairings can be a powerful storytelling tool, if you know how to use them right. Wolves and ravens, for instance, match the archetypes of the strong, straightforward warrior or hunter and the quick-witted, … Continue reading The Wolf and the Raven
Poetry – Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth
Say not the struggle nought The labour and the wounds are vain,The enemy faints not, nor faileth,And as things have been they remain. If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;It may be, in yon smoke concealed,Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers,And, but for you, possess the field. For while the tired waves, vainly … Continue reading Poetry – Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth
Words of the Saints: St. Thomas on the Resurrection
We find that many arose from the dead, such as Lazarus [Jn 11:1-44], the son of the widow [Lk 7:11-16], and the daughter of the Ruler of the synagogue [Mk 5:35-43]. But the resurrection of Christ differed from the resurrection of these and of all others in four points. (1) Christ’s resurrection differed from that … Continue reading Words of the Saints: St. Thomas on the Resurrection
Flash Fiction: Lost and Found
The store was a total loss. John had watched all night as his life’s endeavor was consumed in fire, the flames greedily feasting upon the oils and canvases of irreplaceable paintings, while sculptures cracked and shattered in the heat. Now, ignoring the warnings of the firemen, he walked among the sodden ashes of his life. … Continue reading Flash Fiction: Lost and Found
Good Friday
No flotsam today.
Washing the Feet
It used to be the custom, in Catholic kingdoms, for the king to wash the feet of twelve poor men at the Mass of Our Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Alas, the practice has now almost entirely disappeared, even in countries that still have a nominal king. The one quasi-exception, ironically enough, is England, where … Continue reading Washing the Feet
Low-Effort Blogging: Consoling Thoughts of St. Francis de Sales
Extra low-effort this time, as I haven't listened to all of these all the way through, only bits and pieces. But I trust enough in the great Saint, whom I take as one of my personal patrons, that I'm not afraid to offer his words sight unseen, though it's against my usual practice. (The narrator … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: Consoling Thoughts of St. Francis de Sales
Thought of the Day: Spring Cleaning
It seems that, traditionally, the three days between Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday are devoted to thoroughly cleaning the house in preparation for Easter. By coincidence, I actually spent most of the weekend cleaning up, including organizing my old paper files. As usual when I look back over the last few years of my life, … Continue reading Thought of the Day: Spring Cleaning
Poetry – “Cold Iron”
Gold is for the mistress -- silver for the maid --Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade."Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall,"But Iron -- Cold Iron -- is master of them all."So he made rebellion 'gainst the King his liege,Camped before his citadel and summoned it to siege."Nay!" said the cannoneer on … Continue reading Poetry – “Cold Iron”
Words of the Saints: St. Leo on the Passion
"O wondrous power of the Cross! O ineffable glory of the Passion, in which is contained the Lord's tribunal, the world's judgment, and the power of the Crucified! For you drew all things unto You, Lord and when You had stretched out Your hands all the day, long to an unbelieving people that gainsaid You … Continue reading Words of the Saints: St. Leo on the Passion
Serpent's Den 