Quote Of The Day

Sept 21st, 2012

"Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed."
-- Herman Melville

A Poem For Memorial Day

May 27th, 2012

Shiloh: A Requiem
by Herman Melville

Skimming lightly, wheeling still, 
 The swallows fly low 
Over the field in clouded days, 
 The forest-field of Shiloh-- 
Over the field where April rain 
 Solaced the parched ones stretched in pain 
Through the pause of night 
That followed the Sunday fight 
 Around the church of Shiloh-- 
The church so lone, the log-built one, 
That echoed to many a parting groan 
 And natural prayer 
Of dying foemen mingled there-- 
Foemen at morn, but friends at eve-- 
 Fame or country least their care: 
(What like a bullet can undeceive!) 
 But now they lie low, 
While over them the swallows skim, 
 And all is hushed at Shiloh.

Quote Of The Day

Feb 11th, 2012

"Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian."
-- Herman Melville