Category Archives: Writing

it’s our plain duty to escape

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape?…If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it’s our … Continue reading →

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Life While You Wait

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

LIFE WHILE-YOU-WAIT by Wisława Szymborska Life While-You-Wait. Performance without rehearsal. Body without alterations. Head without premeditation. I know nothing of the role I play. I only know it’s mine. I can’t exchange it. I have to guess on the spot … Continue reading →

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Signs and Portents

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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“In the End, Everything Gives”

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. held a symposium titled “Poetry is a country.” The symposium brought poets together to premiere original poetry inspired by works in the Gallery’s collection—including U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, who wrote “In the … Continue reading →

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Wonder is where it starts

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Wonder is where it starts, and though wonder is also where it ends, this is no futile path. Whether admiring a patch of moss, a crystal, flower, or golden beetle, a sky full of clouds, a sea with the serene, … Continue reading →

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“The Fall”

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“The Fall” by Russell Edson There was a man who found two leaves and came indoors holding them out saying to his parents that he was a tree. To which they said then go into the yard and do not … Continue reading →

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All Parts Matter

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon this excellent infographic from TheBookDesigner.com. As a collector and bookseller, it can be problematic at times describing the contents of a book. This is particularly the case when it comes to antiquarian titles. It’s essential to … Continue reading →

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An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe

Posted on October 29, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In keeping with the festive holiday season, I thought I would share this classic offering from the great thespian Vincent Price. Although he had a storied careen in theater and in cinema, Price has mainly been remembered for his work … Continue reading →

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Hearts not averse to being beguiled

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

October by Robert Frost O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go. O hushed … Continue reading →

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Eagerly I wished the morrow

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost … Continue reading →

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