February 12th 2016

 Lincoln-Darwin

  Campion-Day

We (should) all know:
Abraham Lincoln was born on this day in 1809
& Charles Darwin was also born this day in 1809.

 NOW . . .

Because it is very cold on the East Coast;
because the day we celebrate love is near;
and because I enjoy a bit of wine--a poem by
Thomas Campion (physician, composer, and poet).

NOW WINTER NIGHTS ENLARGE

Now winter nights enlarge
This number of their hours;
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze
And cups o'erflow with wine,
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine.
Now yellow waxen lights
Shall wait on honey love
While youthful revels, masques, and courtly sights
Sleep's leaden spells remove.

This time doth well dispense
With lovers' long discourse;
Much speech hath some defense,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well:
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys,
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys
They shorten tedious nights. 

                                   -Thomas Campion

                                   B: Feb 12, 1567

                                  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS ALSO

                  ORMAN P. DAY !

  A writer born this day in 1946.
  Look for his travel essays and
  give yourself a delightful read.

         Good wishes to all
who are in celebration mood.