The Texas Revolution Began on October 2, 1835

This weekend was the anniversary of the Texas Revolution in 1835. This armed conflict is also known as the “Texas War of Independence.” It was a brief dispute in which the Republic of Texas rebelled against the government of Mexico. The notorious “Gonzales Flag” was born out of this conflict and inspired many reimagined versionsContinue reading “The Texas Revolution Began on October 2, 1835”

Dust Settles Back Where It First Flew: A Haiku Series

As many of you may know, the Star Spangled Banner was written on September 14, 1814 by Francis Scott Key. September has an eventful month in human history with many prominent occasions to note. It can difficult to decide for which to account on a weekly basis. Yet, I still wished to write something aboutContinue reading “Dust Settles Back Where It First Flew: A Haiku Series”

Constitution Day in the United States

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers of the United States signed the U.S. Constitution. The holiday was originally “I Am an American Day” and was observed on the third Sunday in May, first established as a federal holiday in 1940. Twelve years later in 1952, it was changed to September 17 and renamed “ConstitutionContinue reading “Constitution Day in the United States”

The Value of a Nation

As I saw so many posts remembering the loss and the sacrifice that characterize our collective memories of the September 11 terrorist attacks, I was prompted to ponder the national response and massive relief effort which took place in the wake of the attacks. For those unfamiliar with the context, on September 11, 2001, aContinue reading “The Value of a Nation”

Fateful Flight of the Stars and Stripes

This weekend was the 244th anniversary of the first time the American Flag was flown in battle. On September 3, 1777 the red, white, and blue banner with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes was first flown during the Battle of Cooch’s Bride in Delaware. Under the command of General William Maxwell, Continental forces raised theContinue reading “Fateful Flight of the Stars and Stripes”

The Monomyth and “Hero’s Journey”

The Monomyth is a 17-step guide for creating a story, separated into three acts. It was first defined as such by Joseph Campbell, and later refined into the 12-step Hero’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. However, this formula was not something created by Joseph Campbell or any other individual. Rather, it would be more accurate toContinue reading “The Monomyth and “Hero’s Journey””

Before the Dawn: A Dramatic Monologue/Soliloquy

Here is my first attempt at a new form of poetry I have never written before: a dramatic monologue/soliloquy. I wrote it while contemplating the common phrase “the night is always darkest before the dawn.” Please enjoy! The night is darkest before the dawn, as I am so often told. Walking through the halls ofContinue reading “Before the Dawn: A Dramatic Monologue/Soliloquy”

Dramatic Monologue and Soliloquy

A dramatic monologue or soliloquy is an interesting format for writing poetry. It is a poem written in the form of a speech. There are many applications of a dramatic monologue in writing. It can be used to convey a vivid scene, rich with detail and sensory experience. It can also be used to expressContinue reading “Dramatic Monologue and Soliloquy”

Origins of Knighthood

The concept of the medieval knight is prevalent in fiction and other media across many different societies. When we think of a knight, it is common for images of an armored warrior covered in steel plate with a longsword to come to mind. What are the origins of this iconic class of warrior, however? WhenContinue reading “Origins of Knighthood”

Pain and Regret: A Haiku Series

This is a haiku series I wrote during a reflection on feelings of loss and despair. I present it without further comment. Left in grief and tears Overwhelming agony All hope being lost Time has flown away A haunting dread that follows So much left undone So many mistakes Never to be rewritten Dread IContinue reading “Pain and Regret: A Haiku Series”