Today is the birthday of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), master of the iambic pentameter. Her poems can be sung to the tune of “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Many people like her and many people (me included) like Édith Piaf (December 19, 1915 – October 11, 1963) and Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959).
I once saw an entrancing play that followed the parallel lives of the Little Sparrow and Lady Day. The name of this production eludes me, but it was way cool. The actors convincingly managed to belt out songs close enough to the original recordings to make my skin tingle. Ever since this show, it’s hard for me not to think of the two as a pair in spirit, even though they never actually met in person.
Today’s Rune: Joy.
Bon Voyage!
4 comments:
I studied Emily Dickinson a long long time ago in college. I dated a girl that took the very same class. She went on to get her PhD in Victorian Literature, while I taught delinquent youths from the Wayne County Youth Home.
I studied under one of the world's leading authorities(in her own mind)on E.D.--Jane Eberwein.
I like billie holiday. She's cool. I can't say that I've read any Emily Dickinson but I have a feeling that in my coming Lit classes I will! Great post today Erik! Love the old pictures!
I like Emily Dickinson's poems. I also like to listen to Billie Holiday. Nice post and pictures.
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