BryonySeries

Thursday, September 12, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Reclaiming Hope

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Reclaiming Hope

Never give up on Hope, even when Hope appears to have given up on you.

Just when it seems Hope is gone for good, she reappears.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2014/09/09/morris-man-reunites-cat-with-joliet-owner/abnxr4w/?page=2

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Community News: Sept. 11, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Saving Decklin (and more)

Getting plenty of practice "going with the flow" this week.

One, a large convention, for which me and several family members and friends have planned to work and attend, was abruptly cancelled yesterday, just ten days before the event, leaving other con participants shocked and upset.

My family and I have spent nine months in preparation for this event: making sure we had enough stock, costumes, work schedule rearranged, vacation time, etc., but also the opportunity to immerse ourselves in all things vampire (Victorian vampire ball, panels, photos ops, film festival, etc.).

It's a huge blow, but since I've officially written about, I'll be reaching out to organizers today and see if anyone will provide insight.

However, two very pleasant things happened immediately after, which I'll share here.

One, after a day of dodging "pebbles," I accomplished a good portion of my "to-do" list and left for a meeting with Alby Odum at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet for a light supper, coffee, and to talk about the Bryony audio book.

He had never been at the cafe until we first met there two weeks ago and actually got there early to work on some other projects and soak up the ambiance. After discussing technical things, we shared resources and just had a long talk about all things creative, etc.

It appears we'll meet every couple weeks just to keep the project moving until it's done. The goal is not to rush it (which is funny, considering we recorded the files in 2012), but to not stall again either.

In the meantime, we're gaining a slow, but solid, education about the audio book industry, similar to the steps I took to learn about self-publishing about ten years ago.

Onto the second pleasant occurrence.

For one reason or another, I have not been in a pool all summer (I LOVE the water, so this is hugely disappointing). But with this lovely hot and humid weather (so far) this week, surely ONE NIGHT will happen before the pool shuts down.

Well, last night was not the night.

After the meeting, and after some "con" stuff was addressed, it was too late for the pool. So Rebekah and I decided to walk the track behind a local school building.

As we came up the other side, we saw an object off the road. That object turned out to be a cat.

It was now getting dark, and here was this very thirsty, very domestic cat out in the middle of the field by itself. Had it run off from the neighborhood? Or worse, was it dumped off?

We brainstormed a planned.

We would ask the boys to bring the cat carrier. Then we would go around to all the houses in the surrounding neighborhood to see if someone had lost a cat.

If not, we would bring it home for the night, isolate it from our cats, and then take it to the vet first thing in the morning to scan for the microchip.

In the meantime, we took a picture of the cat and posted it on social media with a short description) hoping someone would recognize it.

The boys were at the fitness center, so they didn't arrive with the box for thirty minutes (at this point, they met us on the sidewalk when we were walking home with the cat to get it ourselves).

As Rebekah started to put the cat in the box, Timothy cried out, "That's Decklin!"

Immediately, I recognized the cat. He did live in one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Well, this was easy. We'd just take Decklin home.

It wasn't that easy.

As Rebekah placed Decklin into the cat carrier, the bottom broke, and the Decklin bounded away!

For the next twenty minutes, we chased after him, steering him in the direction of home and not farther away from where he needed to be.

His family was very happy to see him, and we stood outside chatting for about fifteen minutes or so. In fact, his family lives behind another set of neighbors who had given us information when Rebekah rescued a hawk a couple years ago.

So all's well that almost ended well.

Because I still had a list of work-related stuff to do AFTER the meeting last night. I haven't even peeked at it yet this morning (gonna finish this cup of coffee first).

I'm sure it will all get done eventually (the work, not the coffee. The coffee I absolutely plan on finishing).

The only upswing about missing the con (which, so far, organizers are promising a vague "spring date" for the rescheduling) is that, as one of my kids pointed out, I now have a long weekend for getting some serious creative writing done, something that's eluded me for over a month.

I am not consoled.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Community News: Sept. 5, Sept. 7, and Sept. 10, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Plainfield Park District manager goes the distance for a good cause

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/09/plainfield-park-district-manager-goes-the-distance-for-a-good-cause/abpq2ln/

Advocate Medical Group expands women’s health services
Mokena and Oak Lawn offices to remain the same

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/09/advocate-medical-group-expands-womens-health-services/afaxk2w/

Graduates from D. 204 in #Joliet are both #chiropractors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/09/graduates-from-d-204-in-joliet-are-both-chiropractors/aqrjyju/

Cancer patient signs Pink Heals truck in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/09/cancer-patient-signs-pink-heals-truck-in-joliet/a2euhj5/

Episodes of fainting should be taken seriously

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/09/episodes-of-fainting-should-be-taken-seriously/autcqo8/

More than school supplies and healthy lunches
Parents encouraged to think about emergency preparedness now that children have returned to school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/more-than-school-supplies-and-healthy-lunches/aopru56/

Romeoville Fire Academy receives grant towards instructor costs

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/14/romeoville-fire-academy-receives-grant-towards-instructor-costs/ax5fy5a/

Joliet Junior College Faculty Union awards $8,900 in student scholarships

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/04/joliet-junior-college-faculty-union-awards-8-900-in-student-scholarships/ac89y7r/

Meet the 2019 Grundy County internship participants

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/04/meet-the-2019-grundy-county-internship-participants/ajab6yv/

D. 202 students in Plainfield named 2019 AP Scholars

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/04/d-202-students-in-plainfield-named-2019-ap-scholars/ayvbqvp/

Romeoville school volunteers at food pantry

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/romeoville-school-volunteers-at-food-pantry/a9cpwjj/

Bolingbrook students begin their fall harvest

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/bolingbrook-students-begin-their-fall-harvest/aoi62c9/

VVSD students celebrate the first day of school with breakfast

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/vvsd-students-celebrate-the-first-day-of-school/acp6wwb/

Romeoville school cooks out at back to school party

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/romeoville-school-cooks-out-at-back-to-school-party/amslw7c/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at artworkbytopher.com.

Change of Plans

Yesterday in my post titled Balance, I wrote "And when prioritized correctly, plans do come together, even if the coming together is not the way I visualized or wanted it.'

Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to practice those words.

A couple weeks ago, my Uncle Carl, whom I've not seen in nearly a decade (although we talk on the phone a couple times a month), said he was driving through Illinois the week after Labor Day; would I like to have lunch or dinner?

Of course, I agreed. But I did ask for a day's heads-up (if possible) so I could rearrange my schedule and meet deadlines.

He never called.

So I had him on my "morning phone call list" for yesterday to find out what happened. And when the early morning because late mid-morning, and I had run out of time, I moved my uncle to my Tuesday call list.

I had no sooner done this when my uncle called: Would I like to have lunch at 1:30?

Of course, I agreed. What day?

Well, in three hours.

That was a game-changer of a Monday.

Somehow, I meet the most immediate of deadlines and was ready to leave when he arrived at the office. He was able to meet our managing editor, and I silently reminded myself to ask the waitress to take a photo of my uncle and me before we left (I take terrible selfies, all five I've probably snapped in my life).

Well, the time was so engaging, ninety minutes sped away. I enjoyed myself so much, it never occurred to me to chronicle the time. I simply lived it.

Not until after I was back in the office working on round two of deadlines, and my uncle was well on his way west, did I remember the photo.

He's supposed to drive back through Illinois, on his way east, in mid-October. Plenty of time to get the photo, then.

So I'll just have to share this one of Uncle Carl and my three oldest children: Christopher, Sarah, and Joshua. My uncle, who worked for ATandT at the time (the blog will mess up the ampersand) stopped by one evening for a lovely two hours of conversation.

It was shortly before Christmas 1985, and my husband was in the hospital (a ten-day stay) for double pneumonia. The kids were 3, 18 months, and almost 4 months.

So I didn't everything done on my life yesterday. And I probably won't today either.

But guess what?

It will all get done.

Most likely.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Community News: Aug. 31 and Sept. 9, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Balance

The struggle to balance responsibilities and priorities is real, and I often struggle as much as anyone else.

If I don't make plans, nothing happens.

If I do make plans, some things don't happen.

If I try to make plans fit into the reality of the day, I get grumpy. And far too often some of those plans move to another day, then another day, then another day...

But I'm discovering this: I do get the most important tasks done each day. This includes those at work, home, and yes, even my responsibility to myself.

I may not accomplish everything on my list each day. In fact, I almost never do.

But they do get done eventually.

And when prioritized correctly, plans do come together, even if the coming together is not the way I visualized or wanted it.

For example, this weekend was a heavier work weekend than I had anticipated.

But by the end of Sunday, work had been done for hours, and I was relaxed, I realized a lot of non-work happened, too.

To be clear, I love my job. I don't know many people who can say they enjoy every component of it. And to also be clear, I take on extra projects because they are projects I want to do, and I don't intend to stop taking on extra projects.

But I had the unrealistic expectation that I could finish them all before Saturday. And then as Friday unfolded, I changed that to early Saturday. And then I pushed that our some more.

And, no, I did not work all weekend.

I spent a few hours with the werewolf story, FAR less than I wanted.

I walked to Walmart twice on Sunday (once because Timothy asked me to walk with him and twice because Rebekah asked me to walk with her to get stuff for Timothy's birthday).

I love walking alone (unravels my mind), and I love walking with others (lots of connecting happens).

What else? I mailed out nine little notes to my youngest grandchildren.

I watched some YouTube clips of an old 1990s show someone suggested to me.

I wrapped Timothy's presents.

And I had to let some workish projects go when my computer went through a long update. Instead, I spent that hour reading.

We closed Sunday with a movie in honor of Timothy's birthday, one that had been on our "family movie" list for about fifteen years (A Fish Named Wanda).

At the movie's end, I realized I'd had a great weekend.

I wrote two stories for The Herald-News I really enjoyed writing.

The remaining work was work I could finish while engaging in the household coversation.

I spent some great time with family.

I had walked a lot.

I worked on fiction (again, less than I wanted, but even that turned out to be a good thing).

I read.

And I sent out nine little notes.

Now here's something sweet and unexpected: I had these seamless little coffee gifts coming my way all weekend, starting Friday afternoon when Timothy dropped off a lovely dark roast at The Herald-News office from a venue in Chicago (he had a work meeting in the city that day).

I hadn't quite finished it, so I store the cup in the refrigerator and reheated it Saturday morning. Then Rebekah bought me a coffee before work. I had literally just finished it when Jasmine walked into my room and placed a Gloria Jean beside me.

I'm still smiling.

Now, I have about ten other items I move to next weekend. Maybe my lists are ambitious. But, also maybe, I'd get less done if I didn't write massive lists.

Circling back to the werewolf story. IF I had spent more time on that story, I would have been doing a lot of unwriting. Because I realized last night part of the plot had veered where I did not want it to go. Fortunately, my limited time writing this weekend means limited time in restructuring.

Although I am saying it a bit grudgingly.

What's the lesson here? To make plans in order of priority (I'm good at that) but not force them into time (I'm less good at that).

Still, I had a great weekend, and I am prepared to work hard this week. I hope the same for you.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

More Progress on the Ed Calkins Backstory

Dear MOMI,

The back story of Ed Calkins is getting of the ground and moving faster then I typically write.

I'm currently planning 16 chapters, six of which have rough drafts, (which means they are readable and progress the plot but may need reworking and definitely will need more detail). I do expect that this will expand as the story unfolds.

I expect the rough drafts will take about one week per chapter. I'll write all the rough drafts before starting any refinement.(not my habit).

Permissions might be an issue. I want to stay consistent with the Bryony story line while explaining some of the content that so intrigues me (e.g. the relationship between vampires and time).

Also there is a character that might remind you of someone. She is a minor character who is crucial to the plot. Please don't sue me.

Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins,

Steward of Tara

Friday, September 6, 2019

Community News: Sept. 6, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at artworkbytopher.com

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 1 through Sept. 6

It's been a blur of a couple weeks back! (although it's been great to be back).

Timothy's birthday is this weekend, so I'm hoping to slow down a bit (and laughing out loud as I look at my to-do list).

Still, pause and rest is important (even to me). So while I'm delighted I made progress on some projects, I plan to balance that with some quiet, creative time, and also with some family time.

If you missed any of the feature stories this past week, please carefully look through the links at the bottom. With the exception of the book review, these are all worthy events. Please consider being a part of at least one.

As for the book, well, you'll just have to read the story!

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time):

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

'Everything is basically a lump of charcoal.'
Helping Linda Landrey in her extreme time of need

But Landrey’s family is hoping the community will help restore her hope.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/08/28/73be30e5c5214111b319194d6156adea/index.xml

Authentic cuisine at Joliet Greek Fest this weekend in Joliet

“We try to give the best quality to the people,” Peter Xydis, former owner of the New Lenox Restaurant and church member, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/05/957761558ef64a74a3c8d4598ff3da39/index.xml

A road trip of discovery close to home

This all-age, at-your-own-pace exploration of all nine local libraries in the Pinnacle Library Cooperative free and participants can start and stop anytime through Sept. 30.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/04/29de921e775c410c9d123fe60e96a5ba/index.xml

'The gallery has been wonderful'
Cornerstone clients in Joliet exhibiting their work at Gallery Seven in Lockport in September

The works on display include photography, painting, fabric arts, basket weaving and sculpture. All the artwork is offered for sale, according to a release from Gallery Seven.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/04/01c5deae551945668403dfeb1ff6c9d8/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Near Myths' anthology with Joliet writer Todd Hogan

"Near Myths" explores unique stories that have been closely inspired by myths, legends, faerie tales, songs and other archetypical stories that resonate in the human consciousness.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/05/locallit-book-spotlight-near-myths-anthology/aajbtxy/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: "Bryony" the Audio Book: Session One

Thursday, March 22, 2012

"Bryony" the Audio Book: Session One and Other Munsonville News

First of all, the really cool part about creating an audio version of Bryony is that the recording studio is on the fourth floor of Tower Hall at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. So, for old times sake, I skipped the elevator and ran all the way up the main staircase.

What a transformation in the former art department! (I had a good friend who was an art major). Fortunately, Jeff Jaskowiak, director, was on site, so he gve me the official tour of DARA's (Digital Audio Recording Arts) expanded editing suite, which was really cool to see, especially since, two years ago, I had writtten a story for the Herald News when USF began the sound program.

The audio book project is a two-person team, both members of the Christian rock band Daniel's Window (www.danielswindow.com). Alby Odum is sound manager; Heather King is reading, and she has quite the expressive voice, and her take on when and where to emphasize differed from mine, but not in a bad way.

I'm amazed that, for as long as the story has been inside my head, that she could bring it so alive for me with simply her reading style. And I get to be on hand to enjoy the fun, offer opinions, and to correct any mispronunciation of terms, especially since Alby and Heather edited as they went.

Heather had hoped to cover forty pages, but she was only beginning the second chapter when my ride got super-sleepy (The sessions are from nine p.m. to midnight), and I had to leave. Curious how that last bit sounds, so I can't wait for Alby to send me a copy.

In other news, Serena Diosa, author of the Tinkey's Goldfish children's book series, and I met today to review the latest formatting for the Bryony cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which, hurray, is in its final stages. I'm hoping it will be available for purchase within a month or so. All proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties (www.bbbswillgrundy.org).

Also, if you're anywhere near the Joliet area tomorrow, Saturday, or Sunday, stop out at the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall on Mall Loop Drive. Bryony will be part of an enormous arts and crafts fair. I will be selling both books and all five scents from BryonySeries one hundred percent soy candle collection. (www.valeriesheavenlyscents.com).

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Community News: Sept. 4, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

If You Need a Pianist for Your Event...

... I recommend James Onohan, a Hammond, Indiana detective, sergeant, who also writes and plays beautiful, and mostly original, piano music.

Sarah "discovered" him on YouTube back in 2010 when she created the first BryonySeries website. She felt music was needed and went looking for someone who could create the "Bryony" theme song.

Not only was James excited about the project, he offered to compose ten original songs for us and then asked me to name them. It was a great collaboration, as James asked questions about plot, mood, and personalities, and then produced music to match.

You can listen to sample tracks on his website or entire videos. His music is available for sale by track or entire album.

His event services include weddings, backyard birthday parties, and corporate events.

For more information, visit https://www.jamesonohan.com/

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Community News: Sept. 3, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Laboring on Labor Day Weekend

For some people, Labor Day weekend is the last weekend of summer, a time to enjoy summer activities a final time before putting them away until next year.

For others, it's the first weekend of autumn, a time to start unearthing Halloween decorations, readying the yard for winter, and planning fall activities over a cup of pumpkin spice something.

For some, it's another working weekend, either by default or by choice.

I worked this past weekend. By choice and on purpose.

Writing is my job and my hobby. I love both.

When I was part of the weekend editor rotation, I always offered to work Labor Day. It was my way of expressing thankfulness for working a job I love. Not everyone is so blessed.

Now that I'm out of that rotation, I still work, although not all of the work is job-related.

For instance, I spent part of Friday afternoon presenting an abridged journalism seminar to area youth who are creating a newspaper with positive messages for other youth.

I spent most of Saturday and Sunday working my way through the remaining notes of eighteen months of interviews. The interviewee is a Joliet woman in her nineties. Her family hired me to ghost-write her memoir.

Those were two extremely productive days. I only need two more interviews, one more weekend of writing, and I'll have a draft she can read. She has already seen how the book will look in a template. It looks like, well, a book. And she cried when she saw it.

I updated an editing client on his novel.

On Monday, I worked all day on odds and ends of work-related projects.

Some were the ones that take time to complete but are impossible to tackle on deadline, and so keep getting pushed back.

Some were projects I normally handle on Monday.

Was the long weekend all work? No.

I visited a friend who has lung cancer on Saturday.

We had family financial meeting on Sunday.

I spent time time talking with Rebekah on Monday.

I called Sarah and talked with her, too, the first time since we came back from Raleigh.

I took two walks each day.

I stayed up late reading on Sunday night.

Today is my writing day, and I'm in good shape for it. That means, all my main interviews for this week's feature stories are done, and I spend the day writing drafts for all of them. It's an intense day, but it makes for a more streamlined week if they only need editing and layout.

It was a wonderful three-day weekend. I hope yours was just as good or better.

Monday, September 2, 2019

A Poem for Labor Day

Song of the Shirt

By Thomas Hood

First published in 1843

(Dedicated to Henry Matthews' mother and sisters, their friend Bess Masters, and Mrs. Cady and Mr. Langley, who gave them work, as well as to all those who feel as if their labors are vain and unappreciated).

With fingers weary and worn,

With eyelids heavy and red,

A woman sat in unwomanly rags,

Plying her needle and thread—

Stitch! stitch! stitch!

In poverty, hunger, and dirt,

And still with a voice of dolorous pitch

She sang the "Song of the Shirt."

"Work! work! work!

While the cock is crowing aloof!

And work—work—work,

Till the stars shine through the roof!

It's O! to be a slave

Along with the barbarous Turk,

Where woman has never a soul to save,

If this is Christian work!

"Work—work—work,

Till the brain begins to swim;

Work—work—work,

Till the eyes are heavy and dim!

Seam, and gusset, and band,

Band, and gusset, and seam,

Till over the buttons I fall asleep,

And sew them on in a dream!

"O, men, with sisters dear!

O, men, with mothers and wives!

It is not linen you're wearing out,

But human creatures' lives!

Stitch—stitch—stitch,

In poverty, hunger and dirt,

Sewing at once, with a double thread,

A Shroud as well as a Shirt.

"But why do I talk of death?

That phantom of grisly bone,

I hardly fear his terrible shape,

It seems so like my own—

It seems so like my own,

Because of the fasts I keep;

Oh, God! that bread should be so dear.

And flesh and blood so cheap!

"Work—work—work!

My labour never flags;

And what are its wages? A bed of straw,

A crust of bread—and rags.

That shattered roof—this naked floor—

A table—a broken chair—

And a wall so blank, my shadow I thank

For sometimes falling there!

"Work—work—work!

From weary chime to chime,

Work—work—work,

As prisoners work for crime!

Band, and gusset, and seam,

Seam, and gusset, and band,

Till the heart is sick, and the brain benumbed,

As well as the weary hand.

"Work—work—work,

In the dull December light,

And work—work—work,

When the weather is warm and bright—

While underneath the eaves

The brooding swallows cling

As if to show me their sunny backs

And twit me with the spring.

"O! but to breathe the breath

Of the cowslip and primrose sweet—

With the sky above my head,

And the grass beneath my feet;

For only one short hour

To feel as I used to feel,

Before I knew the woes of want

And the walk that costs a meal!

"O! but for one short hour!

A respite however brief!

No blessed leisure for Love or hope,

But only time for grief!

A little weeping would ease my heart,

But in their briny bed

My tears must stop, for every drop

Hinders needle and thread!"

With fingers weary and worn,

With eyelids heavy and red,

A woman sat in unwomanly rags,

Plying her needle and thread—

Stitch! stitch! stitch!

In poverty, hunger, and dirt,

And still with a voice of dolorous pitch,—

Would that its tone could reach the Rich!—

She sang this "Song of the Shirt!"