Good day, readers. Today is October 7th, the 281st day of the year 2024, with 85 days remaining.
Every living creature has a purpose, even if in our limited field of vision that is not at all clear. Whatever divine purpose endows us with our widely varied and often unique cosmic assignments cannot be fully known by even the whole of our impressive, yet still quite unevolved, species of mammal. We can often only approximate the entire truth of any happening; its effects may be clear, but its causes can be often hidden and possibly nearly infinite in nature. Whatever ideas we form will always be hopefully incomplete, even if they are more than adequate for our purposes.
Amelia Phoenix Desertsong
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1849, Edgar Allan Poe, master of macabre and mystery, passed away under mysterious circumstances. His works, including “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” have left an enduring legacy in literature, captivating readers with their haunting themes and masterful storytelling.
Notable Birthdays:
Niels Bohr, born on October 7, 1885, was a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory. His scientific achievements and philosophical insights have inspired numerous works exploring the intersections of science and human thought.
Today’s Readings:
From “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: “And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain / Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On October 7th, 1955, poet Allen Ginsberg read his poem “Howl” for the first time at the Six Gallery in San Francisco. This event marked a significant moment in the Beat Generation, inspiring a wave of literary and cultural rebellion that has influenced countless writers and artists.
Advice for Writers:
Amelia Phoenix Desertsong’s quote reminds us of the profound and often mysterious nature of existence. In your writing, embrace the complexity and nuance of life’s purposes and truths, creating narratives that explore both the seen and unseen facets of our world.
Wishing you a day of thoughtful writing and inspired creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be as deep and insightful as the cosmic assignments you seek to understand.
The alleged causes of Poe’s death have included rabies, a heart attack, an allergic reaction, and a brain tumor. I doubt we’ll ever know, nor do I think it matters. Reading Desertsong’s thoughtful statement, then rereading it while thinking about Poe, made me think about how vulnerable we all are, and how even the smallest act of kindness can have profound effects we’ll never be aware of.
My career as a Firefighter and Paramedic instilled in me a deep appreciation for the fragility of life. I learned firsthand that everything can change in an instant—no one is exempt from sudden misfortune. I’ve confronted mortality more times than I can count and faced my own share of close calls, moments when I truly wondered if I would make it home at the end of my shift. Thank you for your comment. By the way, Amelia Desertsong is my wife.