Kittens At Play

See the kitten on the wall,
Sporting with the leaves that fall,
Withered leaves, one, two and three,
Falling from the elder tree;
Through the calm and frosty air,
Of the morning bright and fair.

See the kitten, how it starts,
Crouches, stretches, paws and darts;
With a tiger leap half- way
Now she meets her coming prey.
Lets it go fast and then
Has it in her power again.

Now she works with three and four,
Like and Indian conjurer;
Quick as he in feats of art,
Gracefully she plays her part;
Yet were gazing thousands there,
What would little Tabby care?

- William Wordsworth

After Many Days

Today's book is 'After Many Days', a collection of stories by by L.M. Montgomery. It deals with the concept of how relationships and promises have to be broken or forgotten to oblige somebody else or because of misunderstandings. The author explores the theme of postponement and piognancy of "time passed". In every story it is seen that the character gets a second chance "after many days" to renconcile with an estranged relative, repay a kindness, or even carry out a long plotted revenge. For others it provides proof as to how true love, true feeling and honesty can survive great distances and long seperation.

Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Fortels a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
Rapidly, merrily,
Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily
Enjoy them as they fly!
What though Death at times steps in,
And calls our best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O'er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!

- Charlotte Bronte