As the sun drops beyond the horizon low, Leaving the crimson world aglow, I stand alone between flowers and trees, Soaking in a gentle breeze. Fireflies twinkle in fairy-land darts, Easing mind, soul, and heart. In noontime heat, I stroll the familiar beat. Stepping around molehills and brushing off flies, […]
Before the Fall, by Noah Hawley
This #1 National Bestselling novel begins as Flight 613 lifts off the tarmac. Serious concerns plague more than half the travelers—concerns they set aside until after the hop from Martha’s Vineyard to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Sixteen minutes later the plane crashes, leaving only two passengers alive: JJ, the four-year-old […]
Writers as Tour Guides
I’m involved in a project to organize a reading plan for students. It has made me aware, in a new way, of the value of the riches stored in my head from past reading. No machine could correlate a lifetime of reading, experience, attendance at conference talks, and digging for […]
O Fortuna: Taverns, Tents, and Tabernacles
Most Americans have heard the song O Fortuna at the movies or on TV, although they may not know its name or its composer. It’s one of a suite of poems from the Middle-Ages (Carmina Burana, Bavarian Songs) which were set to music by the 20th century German composer Carl […]
Ad Alta Altare: Why Do We Have Altars in the First Place?
Editor’s note: Please welcome architect and catechist Christian LeBlanc, who has long practice teaching sixth graders about the connection between Scripture, art, and sacred architecture. He has graciously agreed to write a series for the Catholic Writer’s Guild. Enjoy! I was married 24 years ago last month; that’s right, 24 […]