Good day, readers. Today is May 15th, the 136th day of the year 2024, with 230 days remaining.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Arthur Ashe
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1856, L. Frank Baum, the American author of children’s books, was born. Best known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, his creation of a fantasy world has captured the imaginations of readers for over a century, contributing to the genre with its richly imaginative landscape and enduring characters.
Notable Birthdays:
Katherine Anne Porter, born on May 15, 1890, was an American journalist and writer known for her insightful short stories and her novel Ship of Fools. Her work often explores the themes of justice, betrayal, and the human spirit through meticulously crafted narratives.
Today’s Readings:
From The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum: “There is no place like home.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On May 15th, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his debut in the silent film Plane Crazy. While initially a commercial failure, Mickey soon became one of the most iconic and enduring characters worldwide, influencing a vast array of creative media, including literature, with countless adaptations and studies.
Poem of the Day:
“Love After Love” by Derek Walcott:
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
This introspective poem by Derek Walcott encourages self-acceptance and self-love, reflecting on the journey of rediscovering and embracing one’s own identity after periods of change or personal neglect.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Arthur Ashe’s advice, remember that your writing doesn’t have to start perfect or be executed with the best tools available. Use your current skills and resources to begin creating, and let your work evolve naturally. Progress is made by continuous effort and adaptation.
Have a productive and fulfilling day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may you use your unique talents and circumstances to make meaningful contributions through your writing and daily actions.
When I first read Derek Walcott’s Collected Poems several years ago I wondered how his perspective was shaped by growing up on an island. His poem is a good reminder that we’re all together on this little island and caring for each other begins with caring for ourselves.
…Or as the Canadian comedian Red Green says, keep your stick on the ice, we’re all in this together.
Thanks for your comment, Christopher! 🙂
I haven’t read Ship of Fools but I love her short stories!
Also agree!