Mysteries of Light, Poems through a Prism https://t.co/DtWksj7lG1
'Rosy Cole gives us verse that pulls readers in, engrossing us, moving and charming us with lyrical use of form, sophisticated poetic devices, and her palpable love for the music of language.'
"Hail ye flowers of martyrs, hail blossoms of heavenly spring!"
In the Christian church 28th December is the “Feast of the Holy Innocents” and commemorates the children massacred by King Herod. It is a day to remember and pray for children who suffer persecution around the world.
The House of Commons in Session Peter Tillemans, 1709-14. (Parliamentary Art Collection) The pre-1834 interior of the Commons when it was in St Stephen's (feast #otd), where they'd sat since 1547. The galleries were designed by Sir Christopher Wren who d. #otd 25 Feb 1723.
'How silently, how silently
light breaks upon the fickle sea,
power and commerce lose their thrall,
economies of scale so small
confound our rulers' purple plans
and bring another realm to hand...'
O Dawn Of Joyful Mysteries
https://t.co/bX4yEHH1bx < #ChristmasDay#poem
It’s Christmas Eve! A night where magic happens, so we’re sharing an enchanting mini library of fairy tales. The tiny theatre is particularly magical.
Did you know HC Andersen's story as a writer began with an early love of theatre & a job in the Royal Danish Theatre, aged 14?
25 December 1666
(Christmas day). Lay pretty long in bed, and then rose, leaving my wife desirous to sleep, having sat up till four this morning seeing her mayds make mince-pies. I to church, where our parson Mills made a good sermon. Then home, and dined well on some good ribbs of beef roasted and mince pies; only my wife, brother, and Barker, and plenty of good wine of my owne, and my heart full of true joy; and thanks to God Almighty for the goodness of my condition at this day.
Miss Barker
A destitute young girl whose singing voice was admired by Pepys. Hired as a maid and companion for Elizabeth and to sing with the family and guests. She was dismissed by Elizabeth in 1667 for insolence and lying.
In the 17th Century, Christmas Day was more than just a religious date – it marked the beginning of the traditional ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ between Christmas and Epiphany Eve, commonly called ‘Twelfth Night’ – for people in Stuart England this period was the highlight of the year.
'How silently, how silently
light breaks upon the fickle sea,
power and commerce lose their thrall,
economies of scale so small
confound our rulers' purple plans
and bring another realm to hand...'
O Dawn Of Joyful Mysteries
https://t.co/bX4yEHH1bx < #ChristmasDay#poem
It can take five years for an English Bluebell seed to mature into a bulb & produce a single ‘bell’
Maturity increases the size of the bulb and the extent of the root system to anchor the plant
With this solid foundation the plant can continue increasing the number of bells
To all my friends here, but especially those walking in darkness or wanting to run from #Christmas: wishing you peace and something of the great light we've been promised, and that something special may catch you unawares before the year is out.