The Muses Companion – May 25, 2024

Good day, readers. Today is May 25th, the 146th day of the year 2024, with 220 days remaining.

Courage is grace under pressure.

Ernest Hemingway

Today in Literary History:

On this day in 1938, Raymond Carver, an American short story writer and poet, was born. Known for his minimalistic style and acute attention to the undercurrents of American life, Carver’s stories often focus on the struggles and complexities of ordinary people. His works, such as “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” are celebrated for their powerful emotional depth and clarity.

Notable Birthdays:

Ralph Waldo Emerson, born on May 25, 1803, was an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. His works, including essays like “Self-Reliance” and “Nature,” are foundational texts in American literature, encouraging individuality, self-belief, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Today’s Readings:

From “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver: “And his being blind bothered me. My idea of blindness came from the movies. In the movies, the blind moved slowly and never laughed. Sometimes they were led by seeing-eye dogs. A blind man in my house was not something I looked forward to.”

Literary Fact of the Day:

On May 25th, 1977, the first “Star Wars” movie was released, sparking a cultural phenomenon that extended well beyond cinema to include books, merchandise, and sequels. This franchise has inspired generations of writers and artists, exploring themes of heroism, conflict, and the struggle between good and evil.

Poem of the Day:

“The Bright Field” by R.S. Thomas:

I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl
of great price, the one field that had
the treasure in it. I realize now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying

on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.

This contemplative poem by R.S. Thomas highlights the importance of recognizing and cherishing moments of beauty and enlightenment in everyday life, suggesting that such moments offer a glimpse into a deeper, more significant reality.

Advice for Writers:

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s notion of courage, consider how your characters demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. Explore how pressure shapes them, reveals their core traits, and ultimately defines their actions and choices within your narratives.

Have a courageous and inspiring day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your own writing journey be filled with moments of grace and profound creation.