The Muses Companion – May 22, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 22nd, the 143rd day of the year 2024, with 223 days remaining.
Adventure is not outside man; it is within.
George Eliot
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the British writer best known for creating the detective Sherlock Holmes, was born. His Sherlock Holmes stories revolutionized the mystery genre and continue to captivate audiences around the world with their intricate plotting and timeless appeal.
Notable Birthdays:
Richard Wagner, born on May 22, 1813, was a German composer known for his complex operas and dramatic works, which have significantly influenced both music and literary theory. His concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, or “total work of art,” integrates various art forms into a cohesive narrative, a principle that has inspired countless artists and writers.
Today’s Readings:
From The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On May 22nd, 1933, Loch Ness Monster was reportedly sighted by John Mackay, which sparked a media frenzy and inspired a myriad of stories and theories about this elusive creature, contributing to Scottish folklore and popular culture.
Poem of the Day:
“The Layers” by Stanley Kunitz
I have walked through many lives,
some of them my own,
and I am not who I was,
though some principle of being
abides, from which I struggle
not to stray.
When I look behind,
as I am compelled to look
before I can gather strength
to proceed on my journey,
I see the milestones dwindling
toward the horizon
and the slow fires trailing
from the abandoned camp-sites,
over which scavenger angels
wheel on heavy wings.
Oh, I have made myself a tribe
out of my true affections,
and my tribe is scattered!
How shall the heart be reconciled
to its feast of losses?
In a rising wind,
the manic dust of my friends,
those who fell along the way,
bitterly stings my face.
Yet I turn, I turn,
exulting somewhat,
with my will intact to go
wherever I need to go,
and every stone on the road
precious to me.
In my darkest night,
when the moon was covered
and I roamed through wreckage,
a nimbus-clouded voice
directed me:
“Live in the layers,
not on the litter.”
Though I lack the art
to decipher it,
no doubt the next chapter
in my book of transformations
is already written.
I am not done with my changes.
This poem delves into the themes of personal growth and resilience in the face of life’s many changes and challenges. It reflects on the past with a sense of wisdom and acceptance, while also embracing the future with determination and hope.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by George Eliot’s quote, explore the internal landscapes of adventure in your writing. Consider how the emotional and psychological journeys of your characters can be as compelling as their physical adventures. This inward exploration can add depth to your narratives and engage readers on a more profound level.
Have an adventurous and insightful day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors take you on journeys both within and beyond.
