The Muses Companion – May 28, 2024

Good day, readers. Today is May 28th, the 149th day of the year 2024, with 217 days remaining.

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

T.S. Eliot

Today in Literary History:

On this day in 1779, Thomas Moore, an Irish poet, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, best known for the lyrics of “The Minstrel Boy” and “The Last Rose of Summer,” was born. Moore’s work is celebrated for its lyricism and deep emotional appeal, which have made him an enduring figure in Irish and British literature.

Notable Birthdays:

Ian Fleming, born on May 28, 1908, was a British author, journalist, and naval intelligence officer best known for creating James Bond, a series that has become one of the greatest franchises in modern literary and cinematic history. Fleming’s novels have inspired not just a multitude of films but also an entire genre of espionage fiction.

Today’s Readings:

From Casino Royale by Ian Fleming: “People are islands,’ she said. ‘They don’t really touch. However close they are, they’re really quite separate. Even if they’ve been married for fifty years.”

Literary Fact of the Day:

On May 28th, 1937, the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen was founded. The iconic VW Beetle became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture in America, representing freedom and the open road, themes that have been explored in countless cultural commentaries and literary works.

Poem of the Day:

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats:

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

This lyrical poem evokes a powerful sense of place and a deep yearning for the peace found in nature, reflecting Yeats’s own desire for a simpler, more contemplative life away from the chaos of modernity.

Advice for Writers:

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s encouragement to embrace risk in pursuit of greatness, challenge yourself to explore new boundaries in your writing. Whether it’s experimenting with a new style, tackling a difficult subject matter, or developing complex characters, pushing your limits can lead to significant growth and discovery in your craft.

Have a courageous and exploratory day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors push you to discover how far you can truly go.