August greetings, one and all!
I once read an article that claimed nothing good has ever happened in August. Historically, all sorts of political upheavals and terrible disasters have occurred in this month, not to mention the oppressive heat and woeful lack of holidays to break up the 31 days.
I, however, refuse to write off this last full month of the summer. August means “impressive, magnificent, revered” — let’s give it its due! Today, my reading, writing, and randomness will reflect those adjectives (at least in my humble opinion).
To set the appropriate mood, ponder this chin-lifting quote:
Quote of the Week
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
— Walt Whitman
An Impressive Poem I Keep Rereading
“Methought I Saw” by John Milton.
A few weeks ago, I suggested a book of poetry, and I’ve been working my way through it daily. It starts with the earliest English poems and progresses to modern times — I’m currently in the 17th century. As much as I love the Renaissance-era poets like Donne and Herbert, I have to give it up for John Milton.
Most people know Mr. M for his epic poem “Paradise Lost,” and rightfully so. I am in awe of that lyrical achievement, but something draws me back to his sonnet “Methought I Saw” again and again. Despite the lofty mythological allusions, I am struck by the deeply personal details that frame this poem.
In fourteen tight lines, Milton recounts a dream where his late, beloved wife returns to him as a saintly vision. The vividness of her presence jolts him awake, his heart swelling with joy — only to be swept away by the realization it was all a dream. Clearly anyone would suffer from such a dramatic plunge from hope to grief; what makes this awakening even more painful is that when he opens his eyes at the end, he sees nothing — Milton was blind.
A Magnificent Piece of Writing Advice
The legendary poet, T. S. Eliot, quipped, “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.” That’s where I snatched the idea for this activity, shamelessly dubbed “Copy and Paste.”
This simple writing exercise is a great way to jumpstart any new writing project, or to help ease you out of a slump. All you have to do is pick a favorite piece of writing and … copy it word for word. That’s right — I’m telling you to plagiarize.
Well, not exactly. The point here isn’t to write a famous poem or passage and claim it as you own; the goal is to feel what it’s like to write something great, to tune yourself into the flow of captivating words and rhythms. As you copy the lines you love, consider which parts sing to you; little by little, the artistry of the work will open up to you, revealing the subtle ways great writers craft their finest phrases. When you absorb enough of these patterns and lessons into your bones, your own words will take the shape of your favorite writers … but they’ll carry the thoughts and emotions unique you and your stories.
A Random Reminder to Remain Reverent
“Complainers” by Rudy Francisco. Not to brag, but I can complain with the best of them. I like to stay on the sunny side of life, but I drift into the valley of sarcasm and spite more often than I’d like to admit. I’m sorry in advance for whatever you hear me saying while I’m down there.)
This brief, funny, impactful performance reliably shakes me out of any funk. Just like complaints, the less I say about this video, the better.
And that's it! What did you think? Please share Lau’s Little List with anyone who you think would enjoy my recommendations!
I would greatly appreciate any feedback you'd like to provide. Which tip was your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of in the next installment? Do you have any other suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts.