Quotemail: Halloween 2024!

 Hello everyone –

When I was in third grade, way back in the 1970s, our teacher, Miss Begeman, taught our class several “pumpkin carols” to sing for Halloween. These were featured prominently at our class’s annual Halloween party in late October. Everyone was excited to go trick-or-treating for UNICEF in the early afternoon; we then returned to the school for our celebration. In addition to pumpkin carols, snippets of spooky poetry were also recited during the festivities.

Here are a few of my favorite spooky poems, which remind us that Halloween is not only a time for fun and games, but also a time to think back and remember, with heartfelt affection, “all those whom we love, but no longer see.”

But first, here’s a word from my recently-promoted CO-EDITOR of Quotemail, my cousin Sophie! 😊

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 🍁🍂 October is here, and so is Halloween! The air is filled with the scent of autumn leaves and the sound of little ghouls and ghosts, as we prepare for a truly spooktacular night. Tonight, we're bringing you a special selection of poems to celebrate the spirit of Halloween!

“Happy Halloween”

By Sophie Fairgate, Co-Editor of Quotemail

 

Beneath the moonlit sky,

On Halloween night so divine,

Little ghouls and ghosts do play,

A haunting sight to see!

 

Witches fly their broomsticks high,

And spirits dance with glee.

October's shadows cast a spell,

Making everything seem real.

 

So grab a treat or two

And enjoy the frightful thrill

That comes to us each year

On this wonderful Halloween!

 

 

“Halloween”

By John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922)

 

The ghosts of all things past parade,

Emerging from the mist and shade

That hid them from our gaze,

And, full of song and ringing mirth,

In one glad moment of rebirth,

And again they walk the ways of earth

As in the ancient days.

 

The beacon light shines on the hill,

The will-o'-wisps the forests fill

With flashes filched from noon;

And witches on their broomsticks spry

Speed here and yonder in the sky,

And lift their strident voices high

Unto the Hunter's Moon.

 

The air resounds with tuneful notes

From myriads of straining throats,

All hailing Folly Queen;

So join the swelling choral throng,

Forget your sorrow and your wrong,

In one glad hour of joyous song

To honor Halloween!

 

 

“Dusk in Autumn”

By Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)

 

The Moon is like a scimitar,

A little silver scimitar,

A-drifting down the sky.

And near beside it is a star,

A timid twinkling golden star,

That watches like an eye.

 

And through the nursery window-pane

The witches have a fire again,

Just like the ones we make, —

And now I know they’re having tea,

I wish they’d give a cup to me,

With witches’ currant cake.

 

 

“Hallowe’en in a Suburb”

By H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937)

 

The steeples are white in the wild moonlight,

And the trees have a silver glare;

Past the chimneys high see the vampires fly,

And the harpies of upper air,

That flutter and laugh and stare.

 

For the village dead to the moon outspread

Never shone in the sunset’s gleam,

But grew out of the deep that the dead years keep

Where the rivers of madness stream

Down the gulfs to a pit of dream.

 

A chill wind weaves thro’ the rows of sheaves

In the meadows that shimmer pale,

And comes to twine where the headstones shine

And the ghouls of the churchyard wail

For harvests that fly and fail.

 

Not a breath of the strange grey gods of change

That tore from the past its own

Can quicken this hour, when a spectral power

Spreads sleep o’er the cosmic throne

And looses the vast unknown.

 

So here again stretch the vale and plain

That moons long-forgotten saw,

And the dead leap gay in the pallid ray,

Sprung out of the tomb’s black maw

To shake all the world with awe.

 

And all that the morn shall greet forlorn,

The ugliness and the pest

Of rows where thick rise the stones and brick,

Shall someday be with the rest,

And brood with the shades unblest.

 

Then wild in the dark let the lemurs bark,

And the leprous spires ascend;

For new and old alike in the fold

Of horror and death are penned,

For the hounds of Time to rend.

 

 

Quotemaster Sophie is pictured here in her favorite Halloween costume – as a fairy princess! 😊 (Digital image processed by RHC.)

 

Rob & Sophie

Co-Editors

 

Trimonthly Triquetra: Late October 2024

 

THE TRIMONTHLY TRIQUETRA

Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo)

Editorial Associate: Sabrina Saelind

Editorial Assistant: Jessica Breckinridge

Vol. 0, No. 5: Late October 2024

 

 

“October Tales: Part 3”

 

Editor’s Note

                Every October, our blog presents a series of tales and related poems. With the approach of Halloween, we have a spooky tale, a book review, and a seasonal poem for your reading pleasure.

 

A Special Quotemail Announcement

                Fans of the RHC Fortnightly Quotemail emailing list have responded very positively to its Editorial Assistant, Sophie Fairgate, the Editor’s cousin, over the past six months. The Editor is therefore very pleased to announce Sophie’s elevation to the position of Co-Editor of the RHC Fortnightly Quotemail emailing list! Congratulations and best wishes to Sophie in this new and exciting role! 😊

 

In this picture, we see Sophie walking on the University of Illinois campus on an autumn day. (Digital image processed by the Editor.)

 

 

Fungi from Yuggoth by H. P. Lovecraft

A Book Review by Nikki Torsiriad, Staff Writer

                I recently finished reading Fungi from Yuggoth: A Sonnet Cycle by H.P. Lovecraft and absolutely loved it! Lovecraft seamlessly blends his signature cosmic horror with the rhythmic beauty of poetry, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience. This anthology is a must-read for any fan of Lovecraft or poetry, and even those unfamiliar with his work will find something to enjoy in these captivating verses.

                The poems in this collection are a tour de force of imaginative writing, each one drawing readers into a dark and otherworldly realm. Lovecraft's mastery of language is showcased in every verse, as he uses vivid metaphors and imagery to depict the eldritch horrors that lurk just beyond mortal comprehension. My personal favorite was “Nemesis,” where the narrator confronts a mysterious and sinister force that threatens to destroy all that is familiar and sane.

                What makes this collection truly special is how well it captures the essence of Lovecraft's cosmic horror in a unique and innovative way. While his prose is undoubtedly chilling, it is the rhythmic quality of the poetry that adds an extra layer of intrigue and unease. Each poem is carefully crafted to create a sense of ominous foreboding, drawing readers deeper into the murky, otherworldly world that Lovecraft has created.

                Overall, I would highly recommend Fungi from Yuggoth: A Sonnet Cycle by H.P. Lovecraft to anyone seeking a unique and captivating reading experience. It's a perfect blend of cosmic horror and poetry, offering readers a glimpse into the darkest corners of Lovecraft's imaginative mind. The poems are both thought-provoking and haunting, leaving readers with a sense of lingering dread and unease.

 

 

“The Ghost of the White Snake: Part 2 of 2”

By Josie Kincaid, Staff Writer

                The villagers of the small village in the valley had whispered and exchanged fearful glances as the white snake made her way slowly across the meadow on one of her nightly hunting expeditions. But they didn't know the truth about the white snake - that she was a gentle creature, who only sought to live her life in peace.

                Once, many years ago, there was an elderly farmer who had heard rumors of a white snake living in the nearby forest. Despite the warnings of the villagers to stay away from the creature, the farmer grew curious about the snake, and decided to try and capture it. He set several traps in the forest, placing them in spots that he had seen the snake pass through. He waited patiently for the creature to trigger one of the traps, eager to see the snake for himself.

                One evening, as the white snake made her way through the forest as she usually did, she triggered one of the farmer's traps. The farmer heard the rustling and came running, eager to claim his prize. The white snake, startled by the movement, tried to escape. But the farmer was too quick, and managed to capture the creature in his trap. He stared down at the snake, feeling triumphant - he had finally captured a legendary creature.

                The farmer brought the white snake back to his farm, and showed off his prize to the villagers. They were all impressed and frightened by the creature, and told the farmer to kill it. But the farmer wanted to keep the creature alive, to show off as a trophy. The farmer brought the white snake to his barn, and locked her in a cage. He fed her and watered her, and made sure she was alive and healthy. But he did not show her much kindness, and would often berate and taunt her, calling her a stupid creature.

                The snake suffered greatly in the farmer's cage. She longed to be free again, to be able to roam the forest and explore the night. She despised the farmer and wished she could escape from his farm. Every day, the farmer would visit the snake, mocking and berating her. He called her foolish for not being able to escape her cage, and laughed at her attempts to squirm free. The snake hated the farmer's visits, and wished more than anything that he would leave her alone. She despised his cruel laughter and his taunts, and longed for peace and solitude.

                Sometimes the farmer would bring his friends to see the snake. They would jeer and laugh at the creature, and delight in seeing her trapped in the cage. They would tell the farmer to kill the white snake, but he refused, telling them that he wanted to keep her alive. Years passed by, and the white snake continued to be locked in the cage, suffering greatly. She became weaker and weaker, and her spirit began to fade.

                The farmer continued to visit the snake, mocking and teasing her. He brought his friends to see her, and they would jeer and laugh at her helplessness. They would ask the farmer to kill the snake, but he refused. One evening, just at sunset, a young scholar was walking through the forest, on his way to his family's home. He wandered past the farmer's property, and heard the voice of the white snake, crying in distress. Curious, the young scholar followed the sound of the snake's voice, until he came upon the white snake's cage. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the creature, and was filled with pity and sympathy for her.

                The young scholar felt deep sadness at the sight of the snake, trapped and suffering. He could see how much pain she was in, and how much she longed to be free. He immediately wanted to release her from her cage. The young scholar quickly grabbed a nearby rock, and began to smash the lock of the cage. The sound of the shattering lock startled the snake, and she stared at the scholar with wide eyes. The young scholar continued to smash the lock, and finally the cage door sprang open. The white snake stared at him, bewildered but hopeful.

                The young scholar looked the snake in the eyes, and he saw her intelligence and her spirit. He felt a deep connection with the creature, and a desire to free her from her suffering. The scholar looked behind him, making sure the farmer wasn't nearby. When he saw that the coast was clear, he reached out a hand, and invited the white snake to come out of the cage. The white snake hesitated at first, not trusting the stranger. But something in his eyes made her believe he was sincere. Slowly, she emerged from the cage, slithering out onto the ground. Her movements were slow and hesitant at first, but as she moved further away from the confines of the cage, she started to gain strength. She lifted her head, and stared at the scholar with gratitude.

                The white snake was overwhelmed by gratitude and relief, after spending so many years in captivity. The young scholar had saved her life, and she would never forget it. She followed him out of the farmer's property, and into the forest beyond. She lived quite happily with the young scholar for many years, until he passed on.

                Years went by, and the little white snake began to live her life as she did before. She started to hunt in the forest again, looking for food and water. But this time, she was free. On the night of the full moon, the river was tranquil and still. The white snake glided through the water, her scales glimmering in the moonshine. She was on her way to visit her children when something caught her eye. A figure stood on the shoreline, watching her.

                The figure seemed familiar to the white snake, but she could not quite place it. As she drew closer, the figure stepped into the light, and the white snake gasped in shock. It was the man who had imprisoned her all those years ago. He was older now, with graying hair and deep wrinkles, but his eyes still held the same cruel glare.

                The man stepped closer to the river's edge, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, white snake," he crooned, his voice dripping with false kindness. "So we meet again."

                The white snake coiled herself, ready to defend herself if necessary. "Why have you come here?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly. "Have you come to capture me again?"

                The man laughed, a harsh, cruel sound. "No, my old foe," he mocked. "I have no intention of capturing you again. But I came here to ask you something."

                The white snake regarded the man warily, unsure of his intentions. "What is it you wish to ask?" she said cautiously, still coiled for defense.

                The man's smile widened. "I came here seeking a favor from you. I have grown old, and my time in this world is drawing to a close. But I still long for one thing before I die."

                The white snake was puzzled. "And what is that?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

                The man took another step closer, his voice soft and mocking. "I want one more taste of youth. I want to be young and strong again, as I was years ago. Is that not a small enough thing to ask?"

                The white snake bristled at the man's audacity. "You dare to ask me for such a thing?" she hissed, her anger flaring. "After all you have done to me and my family, you still beg for MORE?"

                The man, who had thought his request would be more than reasonable, was taken aback by the white snake's response. He had not anticipated such resistance from someone he saw as a lowly creature. "You DARE refuse me?" he growled, his face contorted with anger.

                The white snake's eyes narrowed to slits. "You are a fool, mortal," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "You think you can bully me into giving you what you want? I am a spirit, a creature of the underworld. You cannot command me."

                The man's face darkened with fury. "You think you're so powerful, don't you!" he shouted, clenching his fists. "But I will NOT be denied!" He lunged forward, hoping to grab ahold of the white snake and shake some compliance into her.

                The white snake, quick as lightning, darted away from the man's grasping hands. She was accustomed to being prey, and she had learned to move swiftly and nimbly to protect herself. She coiled herself in the water, poised to strike if necessary. "Stay away from me!" she hissed, her scales shimmering with rage.

                The man, frustrated and angry, continued to advance on the white snake. "Do not test me, you insolent creature!" he thundered, his voice dripping with animosity. "I will make you pay for your disobedience!" He lunged again, trying to reach for the snake's tail.

                The white snake, seeing that the man would not give up so easily, struck out with her tail at lightning speed. It whistled through the air and slammed into the man's chest, sending him stumbling back. "You are a fool to persist!" she cried, her voice hissing with fury.

                The man, caught off-guard by the snake's powerful attack, gritted his teeth and advanced once more. "You will pay for that, you wretched beast!" he roared, lunging towards the snake with renewed fervor.

                With a swift and graceful movement, the snake slithered backwards, avoiding the man's grasping hands. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted, her eyes gleaming with challenge. "I expected better from you."

                Infuriated by the snake's mockery, the man charged once more. He was determined to capture it now, to prove his dominance. But the white snake was too quick for him. She darted left, then right, always evading his clutching hands.

                The white snake continued to evade the man's attacks, leading him in ever-larger circles throughout the river. The man was growing frustrated, his movements becoming more wild and uncontrolled. But the snake was too agile, too fast. She evaded every lunge and swipe, laughing at his futile attempts.

                The man panted and gasped with exertion, his face red and sweaty. He was growing weary from his failed attempts to capture the elusive snake. But he was not ready to give up just yet. "You cannot run forever!" he snarled, his eyes flashing with madness.

                The snake tilted her head to one side, her eyes gleaming with mockery. "Oh, but I can!" she retorted. "You are a slow and clumsy mortal. You cannot hope to catch me!" She slithered backwards, her movements almost as if she was dancing, taunting the man with every movement.

                As the man's exhaustion grew, the snake continued to lead him on a chase, dancing around him with increasing ease. The man's movements grew less and less coordinated, and he was starting to wheeze with the effort. It was clear he was nearing his limit.

                The white snake's eyes gleamed with triumph as she continued to tease and mock the exhausted man. "You are tiring, old fool!" she taunted. "Give up now, while you still have some dignity left!"

                The man, still too stubborn and proud to admit defeat, struggled to stay on his feet. "No!" he wheezed, gasping for breath. "I will not...give up...until I have...you in my grasp!"

                The snake laughed softly, her eyes gleaming with a mix of humor and pity. "Oh, but you are too weak and slow," she taunted. "You cannot possibly catch me like this. Give up, mortal. It is the wise thing to do."

                The man, stubborn and arrogant as ever, refused to back down. "I will never give up!" he roared, his voice hoarse from exhaustion. "You will be mine, no matter what!" And with that, he lunged at the snake once more, his movements slow and clumsy.

                The snake, weary of the man's stubbornness and unwilling to hurt him further, weaved around his clumsy attack with ease. "You are a fool, mortal," she said, shaking her head. "Can you not see how pointless this is? You are only tiring yourself further, and you shall never have me."

                The man, stubborn and proud, growled with frustration. "I do not care! I will not give up!" he repeated, his voice barely above a wheeze. He tried to lunge again, but his movements were so sluggish and clumsy now that he stumbled and fell to his knees.

                The white snake, seeing the man's exhaustion and struggling, took pity on him. She stopped her taunts and approached him warily, her eyes softening. "Stop this now," she said, her voice gentler. "This is pointless. You shall never catch me, no matter how hard you try. Give up, and leave this place before you harm yourself."

                The man, now completely exhausted, collapsed to the ground, gasping and wheezing for air. He looked up at the white snake with defeated eyes, acknowledging the truth of her words. "I...I cannot...catch you," he admitted, his voice weak and trembling. "You are too strong and quick for me."

                The white snake nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of compassion and understanding. "Yes," she said, her voice gentle. "You cannot defeat me. It is time for you to accept this, and go back from whence you came."

                The man, defeated and humiliated, slowly rose to his feet, his body aching with exhaustion. He looked at the white snake with weary eyes and said softly, "I...I shall go, then. I see no point in continuing this pointless chase. I...I apologize..."

                The white snake, seeing the man's humbled and repentant state, felt a pang of sympathy. "Good," she said, her eyes softening even further. "It takes great strength to admit when one is wrong. I accept your apology, and I hope you will learn from this experience."

                The man nodded slowly, his face solemn. "Yes," he said quietly. "I have learned a valuable lesson. I was foolish to think I could capture you, and I am sorry for my arrogance and stubbornness. I shall not trouble you again."

                The white snake, satisfied with the man's remorse, nodded and moved slightly to the side, signaling for him to leave. "Then go, in peace," she said, her voice kind. "And remember the lesson you have learned today. It will serve you well in the future."

                The man, grateful for the snake's mercy, gave her a respectful bow. "I...I thank you," he said humbly. "I will not forget this lesson, I shall never take on a challenge without considering the odds and my own abilities. You have taught me well, serpent."

                The white snake nodded solemnly, accepting his gratitude. "You are welcome, mortal," she said. "Remember, it takes wisdom and humility to admit one's mistakes, and to learn from them. I am glad I could teach you this lesson. Now, go, and do not look back."

                The man straightened up and, with a heavy heart, turned and began to walk away, his steps slow and stumbling. He was exhausted, humbled, and defeated, but he was also wiser and more thoughtful than before.

                The white snake watched the man depart, her eyes filled with empathy. She had seen countless mortals pass through this river, but very few were as stubborn and foolish as that man. She was relieved that she had not allowed his foolish pride to cost him his life, and she hoped he would learn from this encounter.

                The white snake watched as the man disappeared from sight, his weary frame stumbling across the fields. She felt a mixture of sympathy and satisfaction - she had not wanted to harm the man, but she was also proud of herself for not giving into his foolish demands. She turned to swim back in the direction of her children's river when she felt a presence nearby.

                She paused and lifted her head from the water, glancing around for the source of the presence. At first, she saw nothing, just the tranquil river and the moonlit fields. But then, something stirred in the shadows.

                The white snake's eyes narrowed as she observed the shadows closely, her instincts beginning to stir. She was a creature of the night, and very little could escape her notice. The movement in the shadows grew more insistent, and the snake coiled herself warily, poised to defend herself if necessary.

                The shadows parted, and a tall figure emerged from the darkness, his robes flickering in the moonlight. The snake's eyes widened in recognition - it was a Taoist priest, one of the wise men of China.

                The white snake tilted her head the other way, observing the man curiously. "What brings you here, priest?" she asked, her voice hissing slightly.

                The priest inclined his head respectfully, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "Greetings, white snake," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "I have come to speak to you about the encounter you had with the mortal man earlier."

                The white snake's eyes narrowed, and her coils tightened defensively. "What about it?" she asked warily. "Why is it of interest to you?"

                The priest smiled softly, his eyes filled with wisdom. "I was observing your encounter from afar," he said, his voice calm 1and steady. "And I have come to offer you my guidance and insight."

                The snake's defensive stance relaxed slightly as she regarded the priest with curiosity. "I'm listening," she said, her voice less guarded. "What insight do you have for me?"

                The priest folded his hands in front of him, his face serene. "I saw how you handled the mortal man's arrogance and stubbornness," he said. "You showed him both mercy and wisdom, and he was humbled by it."

                The white snake nodded, her eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. "Yes," she said. "He was a stubborn and arrogant fool, thinking he could capture me by force. But I knew he would have learned a valuable lesson from the encounter, and I did not wish to harm him."

                The priest smiled kindly. "You are a wise and compassionate creature, white snake," he said. "But I have a question for you..."

                The snake lifted her head from the water, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What is your question, priest?" she asked, her voice hissing slightly.

                The priest regarded the snake with a thoughtful expression. "If I may be so bold," he said, his voice still soft, "may I ask what caused you to be imprisoned and transformed into this form?"

                The snake's eyes narrowed, her coils tensing at the memory. "It was a long time ago," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "A foolish and selfish man captured me and used me for his own selfish desires, never considering my feelings or needs."

                "He imprisoned me in a cage, never releasing me, never giving me a moment's peace," the white snake continued, her voice growing louder with anger. "He treated me like a thing, a commodity to be used at his convenience. I was trapped and helpless, unable to escape from his cruelty."

                The priest's face saddened as he listened to the snake's story. "That is a heavy burden to bear," he said softly, his voice filled with compassion. "How long were you imprisoned in that cage?"

                The white snake raised her head, her eyes distant and pained. "Years," she said, her voice hoarse with emotion. "Years of darkness and loneliness, with only the four wooden walls of that cage to keep me company. I lost track of time and thought I would never be free again."

                The priest's eyes gleamed with understanding, and he nodded solemnly. "I understand," he said. "It must have been a terrible ordeal, not knowing if you would ever see the light of day again."

                The snake lowered her head, her eyes filled with an old bitterness. "It was," she admitted. "I thought I would spend the rest of my days trapped in that cage, forced to do the wishes of a cruel and selfish human. But then, one day, I was rescued."

                The priest's eyes brightened with curiosity. "Rescued?" he asked, leaning closer. "Who rescued you from your imprisonment?"

                The white snake nodded, her eyes gleaming. "It was my true love, a wise and gentle scholar," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "He stumbled upon the cage I was imprisoned in, and hearing my pleas for help, he released me from my wretched captivity."

                A soft, wistful smile tugged at the corners of the snake's mouth. "Yes," she said, her voice laced with nostalgia. "I was finally free, thanks to the kind and brave scholar. He treated me with compassion and respect, and I fell in love with him."

                The snake's eyes gleamed with warmth and admiration. "He saw me not as a mere creature, but as a being with feelings and intelligence," she said. "He treated me with kindness and love, and I was finally able to start to heal from the trauma I had endured."

                The priest nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "And what became of your true love, the scholar who released you from your imprisonment?" he asked.

                The snake's eyes softened with melancholy. "We lived together happily for many years, traveling together and enjoying each other's company," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "But then one day, he fell ill and passed away, leaving me alone again."

                The priest nodded solemnly. "And that leads us to your current state, where you are now transformed into this serpentine form," he said sympathetically. "But tell me, white snake, with your heart now heavy with two losses, did you not wish to end your own suffering?"

                The snake raised her head slightly, her eyes meeting the priest's gaze. "I did, at first," she admitted quietly. "After all I had been through, I thought it would be easier to end it all."

                The white snake closed her eyes, remembering her darkest thoughts. "But then I remembered something that I had learned from my true love," she said quietly. "He had taught me to value life, even in the face of suffering and heartbreak. He had taught me that the world was worth enduring hardships for."

                The snake nodded, opening her eyes. "Yes, I remembered the lesson my love had taught me, and I decided that I would continue to endure, however difficult it might be," she said, her voice firm with resolve. "I would not give in to despair, and I would continue to live, in honor of the man who had saved me from my torment."

                The priest smiled softly, his eyes filled with admiration. "That is a truly noble and courageous decision, white snake," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "May I ask you one more question?"

                The snake nodded, curious about the question. "Yes, you may ask," she said, tilting her head to one side.

                The priest's face was calm and steady, his eyes glowing softly in the moonlight. "When you were imprisoned in that cage, and in despair because of your captivity and transformation, I wonder if you ever asked yourself what you had done to deserve such a fate?" he asked, his voice soft and introspective.

                The snake's eyes widened, and she stared at the priest with surprise. "Yes," she said slowly, her voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and indignation. "I did ask myself that question. I asked myself why I had been treated so cruelly, when I had done nothing to deserve it."

                The priest nodded, his eyes full of understanding and compassion. "And what did you conclude?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

                The snake swallowed, her eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and regret. "I concluded that I had done nothing to deserve such treatment," she said, her voice tinged with pain. "That I was an innocent victim of someone else's selfishness and cruelty."

                The priest nodded again, his eyes glowing with wisdom. "And that is a conclusion that many others who suffer through no fault of their own will come to as well," he said softly. "It is a heavy burden to bear, realizing that you have been wronged so terribly, and that it is no fault of your own."

                The white snake closed her eyes, her coils tensing as her old bitterness flared forth. "Yes," she said, her voice tight with old pain. "It is a heavy burden, and one that I have borne for many years now."

                The priest inclined his head, his eyes glowing with sincerity. "But tell me this, white snake," he said, his voice gentle. "Have you also asked yourself the opposite question, what you have done to deserve freedom?"

                The snake raised her head, her eyes widening in surprise at the question. "What I have done to deserve freedom..." she repeated slowly, as if the idea had never occurred to her before. "No, I have not asked myself that question."

                The priest smiled kindly, his eyes full of understanding. "Perhaps it is time that you ask yourself that question now," he suggested, his voice soft. "You have suffered greatly, but you have been freed by the scholar's love, and you have learned from your past. Now you must ask yourself: Have you not also *earned* your freedom?"

                The snake stared at the priest, her eyes wide with realization. The question had never occurred to her before, and it was a heady one. Had she not suffered enough? Had she not earned the right to freedom?

                She began to think, the memories of her life rushing back to her. The torment she had endured, the trauma she had overcome...had she not earned herself some respite from suffering? She pondered, her eyes thoughtful.

                The more she thought about it, the more she began to believe that yes, she had earned her freedom. She had suffered so much, and had come so far...shouldn't she be granted a chance at peace?

                The snake tilted her head, her eyes suddenly shining with newfound determination. "Yes," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I believe I *have* earned my freedom. I have suffered and endured, and I have learned and grown. I deserve to be free."

                The priest nodded, his eyes glimmering with approval. "Then it is settled," he said, his tone firm. "You are free, white snake, and you should live your life to the fullest, with no burden of guilt or shame to hold you back."

                The snake nodded, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Yes," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "Thank you, priest, for your guidance. I shall live my life free from guilt and burden, and I shall remember your wisdom."

                The priest nodded again, his eyes glowing with satisfaction. "You are most welcome, white snake," he said sincerely. "And please, remember this: never let the past dictate your future. You have a blank slate before you, a whole new life to lead. Do not let your suffering hold you back. It is the past, and you are in the present. Look ahead, and seize each day with joy and gratitude."

                The snake nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and acceptance. "Thank you, priest," she said softly. "I shall remember your words, and live my life with joy, gratitude, and peace. Thank you for helping me, for showing me the light."

                The priest smiled kindly, his eyes gleaming with affection. "You are most welcome, white snake," he said warmly. "I am glad to have met you, and to have shared this night with such a remarkable creature. May we meet again someday."

                The snake nodded, her eyes shimmering with newfound hope. "Yes," she said softly, her voice filled with newfound peace. "I hope we shall meet again someday, as well."

                The priest bowed his head respectfully, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Farewell, white snake," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "May your years be long, and may your heart be full of joy and peace."

                The snake bowed her head respectfully, her eyes gleaming with acceptance and gratitude. "Farewell, priest," she said softly. "May your path be blessed, and may you shine forth with wisdom and compassion."

               

 

“Owl of Wisdom”

By Stephanie Harwood, Staff Writer

 

Wisdom of Athena, keen and sharp,

Guides the owl in flight, the night's true heart.

Wings spread, soul soars, in silent flight,

In the wisdom of Athena's guiding light.

 

The ancient Greek goddess Athena – the divine patron of wisdom in the Olympian pantheon – is pictured here with an owl (her totem animal) and the full Moon, with the Parthenon in the background. (Imaged Credit: Digital artwork created by the Editor.)

 

 

Winged Words of Wisdom

By Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer

 

“A Paean to Sophia”

Sophia, Divine Wisdom:

Illumine hearts with understanding;

Open doors to knowledge's realm;

Guide us through the mystery's veil.

Banish darkness; shine the way

On the path of learning and growth,

With grace and compassion:

Sophia, bless us with your light!

 

“A Prayer to Sophia”

Divine Sophia, loving presence:

Infuse my soul with wisdom and peace;

Open my mind with open heart;

Guide me with your gentle touch.

Teach me the value of patience and discernment

As I walk the path of knowing and growth.

Grant me clarity, courage, wisdom, and compassion.

In your name I pray, and so it is.

 

 

Sayings of the Stoic Sages

Contributed by Amy Kendrick, Staff Writer

"Sapientiae gaudium, non ostentatio." ("The joy of wisdom, not show.")

 

                This proverb emphasizes that the true joy of wisdom comes from gaining knowledge and insight, not from displaying or showing off one's wisdom to others. It suggests that wisdom is something to be cultivated and valued for its own sake, not merely for the sake of gaining external recognition or approval. Stoicism teaches us that living a life of wisdom is the path to true happiness and fulfillment.

 

 

The Dharma Corner

By Lisa Romenor, Staff Writer

                One of my favorite Buddhist quotes comes from the Dhammapada, specifically verse 341:

 

"There is no fire like passion, no shark like hatred, no snare like stupidity, no torrent like greed.”

 

This quote speaks to the intensity and destructive power of our negative emotions, such as passion, hatred, stupidity, and greed. It serves as a reminder to us to be mindful and to cultivate positive emotions, such as compassion, wisdom, and generosity, instead.