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Getting the Drift

Today I find my world in banking snow,
Accounting for this winter’s days, the cold
Within my heart, and costs still left untold
Until I settle down with one I owe.
In silent drifts I heap up all I know,
Accumulating here like Fafnir’s gold,
Sole hoard of things I’ve bought that never sold,
Investment in this winter’s window show.
In unrelenting ardor I confess
My love for silver moonlight and the days
Twice brightened, cloud and snowbank, and the haze
That spreads through world and mind at my address
To one who hears these secrets with a smile:
Who longs for spring, yet stays to talk a while.

PGE 2-6-2008

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Jesus, John 16:33

If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face–for ever.
(spoken by O’Brien; Orwell, 1984)

I believe Jesus Christ is God being a man, and was already God when the Father sent the Son, and the Spirit fertilized an egg of Mary’s; so that the Son has an actual human body both created in the image of God (as are we all) and genetically linked to his mother; to David; to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; to Noah; and to Adam.

from an extended discussion in quotations at my Baylor blog, a tiny snippet:

from our present via media—facilitation of divorce—can only result the era when the young lady in reduced circumstances will no longer turn governess but will be open to engagement as wife at a reasonable stipend. (Francis Thompson on Shelley)

(post title refers to a Tears For Fears song. you know if you know)

 …you’d have to think, wouldn’t you?

What’s in your mind, my dove, my coney;
Do thoughts grow like feathers, the dead end of life;
Is it making of love or counting of money,
Or raid on the jewels, the plans of a thief?
(W. H. Auden, November 1930)

(reading the rest of the poem would render the question academic.)
(of course, if you read the rest of the poem, you probably are. academic.)

the usage below intrigued me. So I looked it up.

†1. Physical or structural strength. Obs.
1553 EDEN Treat. Newe Ind. (Arb.) 15 A beast..excellinge all other beastes in fortitude and strength. 1591 SHAKES. 1 Hen. VI, II. i. 17 Dispairing of his owne armes fortitude. 1604 —— Oth. I. iii. 222 The Fortitude of the place is best knowne to you. 1703 T. N. City & C. Purchaser 50 Bonding of Brick-work..conduces very much to its Fortitude.
(OED online)

Apparently, once upon a time, “fortitude” was more concrete. More virtu than virtue, so to speak.

We have all been betrayed by the psychologizing of life.