Category Archives: Writing

Words That Don’t Translate

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I have often read that the English vocabulary has more words than any other language. That may or may not be true, but it certainly is a rich mash-up of so many other rich languages. We have a treasure trove … Continue reading →

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Are you ready for fore edge Friday

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

  This example for Fore Edge Friday comes from the second edition of The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer to Which are Added an Essay on His Language and Versification, and an Introductory Discourse, Together with Notes and a Glossary by English … Continue reading →

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there is no happy ending

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since we lost one of its most entertaining, likable, and exasperating cultural personalities. Anthony Bourdain was one of those special people who found a way to engage folks from all walks … Continue reading →

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Summer Reads

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Ways to Disappear

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Ways to Disappear Camille Rankine In the dark Down a stairwell Through the doorway Gone west With a new wish In daylight Down the sidewalk In a wool coat In a white dress Without a name Without asking On your … Continue reading →

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there is nothing on earth that forgetfulness does not fade

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

“Mutations” by Jorge Luis Borges Translated by Andrew Hurley In a hallway I saw a sign with an arrow pointing the way, and I was struck by the thought that that inoffensive symbol had once been a thing of iron, … Continue reading →

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A Borrowing of Librarians

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

 

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all the trains are gone

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The illustration above, appeared in The Fatal Lozenge which was Edward Gorey’s first published “alphabet book”. In the book series, each letter of the alphabet is represented by a character which appears in a four line poem and each poem … Continue reading →

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Amazing Stories in Amazing Stories

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon a link to this issue of Amazing Stories magazine from 1927. What jumped out for me was the inclusion in this issue of H.P. Lovecraft’s of The Colour Out of Space  and H.G. Wells’  The War of the Worlds. … Continue reading →

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All the misery of manilla folders and mucilage

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

DOLOR Theodore Roethke I have known the inexorable sadness of pencils, Neat in their boxes, dolor of pad and paper weight, All the misery of manilla folders and mucilage, Desolation in immaculate public places, Lonely reception room, lavatory, switchboard, The … Continue reading →

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