Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul I, the newest recruit at the oars, am serving guard duty with one who has completed his full obligation. He seems to be contemplating his life and the opportunities before him. At the next tower turn on the wall with this man who calls himself NicContinue reading “Post #8.7, Tuesday, May 19, 2020”
Author Archives: J.K. Marlin
Post #8.6, Thursday, May 14, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul With God thought to be on a distant shore we light the watch-fires on the fortress towers. Maybe any passing pirates will see our torches and fires and the moored dromon and know that this is a night for rest not war. There is a serene darkness overContinue reading “Post #8.6, Thursday, May 14, 2020”
Post #8.5, Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the channel off Gaul We’re landing at Aletum near a rumored haven for pirates. Two of us are assigned the night watch, I, in my hemp tunic, and he in his leather gambeson, tunic of chain mail, fine plumed helmet, scarlet cloak, shield and a clean, sharpened broadsword.Continue reading “Post #8.5, Wednesday, May 13, 2020”
Post #8.4, Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the Channel off Gaul Seated as I am, the last rower of this facing, my forward view is of the shoulders of thirty-one other men all moving evenly in the dance tempo of the row. Each man has his shield facing the sea above his oarlock, and onContinue reading “Post #8.4, Tuesday, May 12, 2020”
Post #8.3, Thursday, May 7, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the Saxony Shore of Gaul It is the dance. “II, I, Pull,” over and again in 3/8 time, the Hora, it is without the full circle of the wedding. We’re all aligned facing back. “II, I, Pull, II, I, Pull,” shoulder-to-shoulder together in the drumbeat of the dance.Continue reading “Post #8.3, Thursday, May 7, 2020”
Post #8.2, Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul While I was off in quietude knitting odds and ends of the yarns of memory into some kind of fabric of facts or dreams, the good doctor was visiting the shipyard where the old hull of the dromon is being stitched back to purpose. He is reporting toContinue reading “Post #8.2, Wednesday, May 6, 2020”
Post #8.1, Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age on the Saxony Shore of Gaul God knows I’m thankful for glimpses into memory of a wife and for the gentle thoughts of touches — the warmth of earthly breath and fragrance — all these remembrances of love shared. I know earth’s metaphors speak a truth of so manyContinue reading “Post #8.1, Tuesday, May 5, 2020”
Post #7.14, Thursday, April 30, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul Dear God, guide my feet, my heart, my remembering. Thank you for strength and healing. And thank you also for Dr. Neifus, though not understanding, at least he is respectful of my need for this solitude. Thank you for staying near. I ponder the glimpses of memory.Continue reading “Post #7.14, Thursday, April 30, 2020”
Post #7.13, Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul, probably 462 C.E. I beg the doctor. “Please let me go alone for my prayers.” “Lazarus, my boy, you know the dangers of walking alone into the woods.” “So you think Nantes has its woods filled with robbers wielding dead tree stalks for clubs, waitingContinue reading “Post #7.13, Wednesday, April 29, 2020”
Post #7.12, Tuesday, April 28,2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul, some say 562 C.E. “I remember the Roman galley which I can see right now from this place where I sit on the harbor wall. And it is still hanging from the ropes for repairs. I would guess my healing is coming better than the repairs of rotContinue reading “Post #7.12, Tuesday, April 28,2020”
Lazarus Ink 