The Lives I Might Have Lived

I’m a history buff. I studied history for my bachelor’s degree and area studies for my master’s. Since I was a child, I have fantasized about living in particular historical eras and places, being a part of the periods and events which have shaped humanity’s shared heritage. I also fell in love with the academic storytelling art of history; it is the story of the past, the narrative of how we understand ourselves and where we came from. Continue reading “The Lives I Might Have Lived”

Villanelle – December Theme – Marcy Erb

Mud and Gold 

Mud in California is a brindled and feral beast
No mythical runny bog, but a good thick paste
Sticky thick with gold, yes, sir! They say easy street

Continue reading “Villanelle – December Theme – Marcy Erb”

Theme for September 23rd – Chastity – and you thought it was simple!

The virtue of temperance has historically encompassed a wide range of activities – after all, it “simply” means moderation via personal restraint or will. Although associated in modern parlance with food and drink, in particular alcohol, last week’s poems decided to look at temperance as it applies to less calorie-laden subjects: in speech and in modifying self-doubt
 
Chastity is another virtue that has been reduced to a sound bite in the modern day, but was historically much more complex. Chastity today seems to revolve around sexual activity, and if the news is any indication, contemporary conversations about chastity focus on teenagers and pre-marital sex.
 

Continue reading “Theme for September 23rd – Chastity – and you thought it was simple!”