Traditional Illustrations

'Twould ease -- a Butterfly --

'Twould ease -- a Butterfly -- Elate -- a Bee -- Thou'rt neither -- Neither -- thy capacity -- But, Blossom, were I, I would...

These are the Signs to Nature's Inns --

These are the Signs to Nature's Inns -- Her invitation broad To Whosoever famishing To taste her mystic Bread -- These are the rites of...

Short53 words

Historical

On This Day: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as President of the Soviet Union (the union itself is dissolved the next d

Ukraine's referendum is finalized and Ukraine officially leaves the Soviet Union.

Universal

Short30 words

Fragment: 'And That I Walk Thus Proudly Crowned'

And that I walk thus proudly crowned withal Is that 'tis my distinction; if I fall, I shall not weep out of the vital day, To-morrow dust, nor wear a dull decay.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Short29 words

Historical

On This Day: At Gilmore's Gardens in New York City, the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opens.

5/8 (1877): At Gilmore's Gardens in New York City, the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opens.

Universal

Short17 words

Where Thou art -- that -- is Home --

Where Thou art -- that -- is Home -- Cashmere -- or Calvary -- the same -- Degree -- or Shame -- I scarce esteem...

Nature assigns the Sun --

Nature assigns the Sun -- That -- is Astronomy -- Nature cannot enact a Friend -- That -- is Astrology.

Hope is a strange invention --

Hope is a strange invention -- A Patent of the Heart -- In unremitting action Yet never wearing out -- Of this electric Adjunct Not...

Short30 words

Historical

On This Day: Southern Rhodesia's Prime Minister Ian Smith unilaterally declares the colony independent as the unr

11/11 (1965): Southern Rhodesia's Prime Minister Ian Smith unilaterally declares the colony independent as the unrecognised state of Rhodesia.

Universal

Short19 words

The Little Boy Lost

"Father, father, where are you going? Oh do not walk so fast!

Glass was the Street -- in tinsel Peril

Glass was the Street -- in tinsel Peril Tree and Traveller stood -- Filled was the Air with merry venture Hearty with Boys the Road...

Suspense -- is Hostiler than Death --

Suspense -- is Hostiler than Death -- Death -- tho'soever Broad, Is Just Death, and cannot increase -- Suspense -- does not conclude -- But...

Whatever it is -- she has tried it --

Whatever it is -- she has tried it -- Awful Father of Love -- Is not Ours the chastising -- Do not chastise the Dove...

To----

I heed not that my earthly lot Hath--little of Earth in it-- That years of love have been forgot In the hatred of a minute:-- I mourn not that the desolate Are happier, sweet, than I, But that _you_ sorrow...

I think that the Root of the Wind is Water --

I think that the Root of the Wind is Water -- It would not sound so deep Were it a Firmamental Product -- Airs no...

Short38 words

Historical

On This Day: The Polaris missile is successfully launched from a submarine, the USS George Washington, for the fi

7/20 (1960): The Polaris missile is successfully launched from a submarine, the USS George Washington, for the first time.

Universal

Short18 words

Historical

On This Day: The first Polish postage stamp is issued, replacing the Russian stamps previously in use.

1/1 (1860): The first Polish postage stamp is issued, replacing the Russian stamps previously in use.

Universal

Short16 words

It can't be "Summer"!

It can't be "Summer"! That -- got through! It's early -- yet -- for "Spring"! There's that long town of White -- to cross --...

Fragment: A Roman's Chamber

In the cave which wild weeds cover Wait for thine aethereal lover; For the pallid moon is waning, O'er the spiral cypress hanging And the moon no cloud is staining.

Summer -- we all have seen --

Summer -- we all have seen -- A few of us -- believed -- A few -- the more aspiring Unquestionably loved -- But Summer...

As Sleigh Bells seem in summer

As Sleigh Bells seem in summer Or Bees, at Christmas show -- So fairy -- so fictitious The individuals do Repealed from observation -- A...