dual personalities

Tag: John Milton

Of shades and wanton winds

by chuckofish

Today we remember John Milton, English poet and Puritan, who died on this day in 1674. I wonder if he is still read in college. Probably not. Therefore, in protest, take down your Milton tome (I know you have one) and read some poetry.

You might start with “Lycidas”, which he wrote in 1637 following the death of his friend Henry King when his ship sank in the Irish Sea off the coast of Wales. Milton was 29 years old. Numerous novels have taken their titles from this poem, including Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward, Angel.

You can read the entire poem here.

Ever in my great Task-Master’s eye

by chuckofish

Today I am getting ready to head to Maryland tomorrow to see daughter #2 and her little family. DN is going to be in a wedding this weekend in Pennsylvania so I am going “to help” in his absence not that I need an excuse or anything.

I think baby Ida is pretty excited.

Meanwhile the chorus of leaf blowers/lawn mowers has started up in our neighborhood–non-stop noise which will go on for nine months. Ye gods! Do I sound like an old battle ax or what? Well you know what they say: “How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth.”

(John Milton: Sonnet 7)

So please say a travel prayer for me–fair weather and no delays. I’ll be back next week. Daughter #1 will be here tomorrow with a post.