Books Thirteen and Fourteen

Book # 13:The Runes of Elfland by Ari Berk and Brian Froud
Book # 14:Goblins by Ari Berk and Brian Froud

I actually read these about a month and a week ago, respectively, and have been dawdling on posting them. Finally decided I best get to it before I finish The Golden Compass, which is very likely to be done tonight.

I am very impressed with Brian Froud's work, and I possess nearly every book or movie that I am aware either he or his wife has been involved with. Incredibly talented folks. I became familiar with Ari Berk's work when he started as a substitute on a folklore column in the Realms of Fantasy magazine – indeed, I enjoyed his columns better than those of the author he was substituting for.

These works share several things in common, beyond Brian's pictures and Ari's words. They both blur the lines between fiction and faerie – do they really believe the runes can open doors to other realms? do they honestly think Brian's house was invaded by goblins? Of course, I believe I know the answer, and I also thoroughly enjoy watching the two of them tweak the boundaries as they exist within the reader's mind.

Crossposted to 50bookchallenge and me own journal

Old News, as yet Unreported

Last week, at some time beyond my ability to recall (I think, Wednesday?), I planted two more trees around the foundation. An American fringe tree and a downy serviceberry, both are native trees that provide food and habitat for birds and both will remain relatively small. They are placed to cast summer shade on the air conditioner to help reduce cooling costs. They are deciduous, so they won't interfere with the winter sun adding a degree or two to the air around the unit – which reduces heating costs.

Last Saturday, Justin and I started on his room. We discovered that ripping up pressboard flooring held in place by airgunned nails every two inches (most of which come to a stop just under the surface of the board) is fairly time consuming work. Also discovered that we could use another rubber mallet, as that, in combination with your prybar of choice, is the most often used tool. Justin impressed me once more – I nearly had to use one of those prybars to get him to step back from his work for the occassional breather. I get the impression that he wants to get the room done, although I am happier that our speed (or lack thereof) is the issue now, and that it doesn't come down to waiting for the budget to allow the next step (which it will, sooner or later.)

Earlier in the day, Justin and I went to the Lehigh Gap, to join the Wildlife Information Center in clearing out invasive plants. We tackled a few Japanese barberries, but quickly became specialists in butterfly bush removal. It was raining on our way there, slowed down when we went to work, and opened up again when we took a break.

Last Sunday, our neighbors put their house up for sale – thought they were throwing a party, until I saw the "Open House" sign. I was a little quicker in spotting the raptor – although the type remains unidentified – sparring with the crow. It was an aerial dogfight, which, unfortunately, ended when I ran inside to grab binoculars and camera.

In other recent news, which isn't mine and isn't unreported, three campers from Philly ran into one of the neighborhood bears (or their close friends) in a state park nearby. As a reminder, tie up your food out of bear-reach when you go camping (and remember – they are taller than you and can climb trees, so don't hang it low or close to the trunk!) Also, if you happen to bump into one up close and personal, treat it as you should an unknown, aggressive dog. Talk quietly, don't flash teeth, back away slowly. Here's to hoping I never have to see if I remember that advice.

The Weeds Respond

The Weeds Respond
May 2, 2005

- A rebuttal, recorded under much duress -

It’s double standards,
it’s what it is.
Why, we go out of our way,
out of our way, I tell you,
knock ourselves out,
and then, for what?
Are we not green?
Do we not flower?
Got dirt and want something to cover it fast?
We’re there for you, and how do you thank us?
Well, I’ll tell you how –
with a conscious effort, on your part,
to destroy us en masse.
Oh, it’s genocide, it is, and no mistake.
Think we’re getting a nice bath, we do,
think we’re getting something to grow on,
like them others do, but no –
always with the “-icides” and the “Anti-”s,
killers one and all, and employed by you wholesale.
And then, if we’re in a minority, you come at us directly,
you do, what with that gouging
and stabbing and ripping and tearing;
pulling us out by the roots not good enough, eh?
Dig deeper, make sure you get all of us, eh?
Think of the children –
where would they be without dandelions,
buttercups, and the hope for a clover with four leaves?
But no, it’s all about you, isn’t it?
Well, I tell you, we’ve just about had enough, understand?
Had it right up to here with this nonsense,
and, frankly, we’re not going to take it anymore.
Heh, this allergy season, you just watch out, pal.
We’ve got your number...
and we know where you live…
Gesundheit!

Copyright © 2005 Everett Ambrose Warren

Pending

Pending
May 1, 2005

Ferns unfurling
coils like party favors
uncurling

Hearts hanging
like emotions on fragile stalks
bleeding

Crocus fading
time passed before the
awakening

Foxglove rising
bright and green, still waiting
flowering

Maple leaves dancing
in miniature, red flowers
falling

Chestnut whispering
to keep the blight from
hearing

Birch running
scented airs
sweetening

Oaks sleeping
waiting for a deeper Spring, still
pending

Copyright © 2005 Everett Ambrose Warren

without a trace

without a trace
May 2, 2005

curling quiet
seething riot
nothing hiding
something waiting
tyrant
driven
timeless frantic
baseless panic
nothing stalking
something leering
violent
unbidden
without a trace
just a milk carton face
nothing escaping
something growing
silent
forgotten

Copyright © 2005 Everett Ambrose Warren