In the late 19th century, Tess Durbeyfield is sent off to visit a rich cousin, Alec D'Urberville, when her parents learn learn that they are distantly related. Returning from a village party he forces himself on the innocent girl who eventually makes her way back to her parents' home,ashamed and pregnant. After the death of her child, she makes her way to a prosperous farm where, working as a milkmaid, she meets and marries Angel Clare. On learning of her past however, he abandons her.
Little Johnny is growing up to become 'That Johnny'. Miss Symes, teaching enough history that kids know where Latin came from, had been warned about 'That Johnny'. But for teachers, every moment is a teaching moment. Elspeth, the girl next door, who lives across the street, if you climb the fence at Mary's house, could write a note and tape it up and open it tomorrow and it will ALL BE THAT JOHNNY'S FAULT! What could go wrong? Possibly Chapter 3 of the Elspeth Chronicles.
A young orphan dreams of a different life than what the Goddess seems to have laid before him. Something more than that of a poor farmer toiling beside his extended family. The young boy daydreams of fabulous adventures in faraway lands even as he plods through his tedious existence, moving from family to family as each of his relatives shares the burden of his care. He revels in his grandfather's fantastic stories until one day he finds himself facing the very subject of one of those stories.
This is what some people might refer to as a "Seasonal Story." It has undergone some slight modification since it first appeared on the Internet several years ago. I'm afraid that I cannot recall whether those changes have not been proofread, but time waits for no man.
The Bard's Tales Story (1) In a time before man rose to prominence, when magic flowed like water from every rock and plant, three great races vied for dominance. In their arrogance they even challenged the Gods, and almost succeeded. The Gods ensured that little evidence remained of their achievements and knowledge. That however, was about to change.
The idea, the wish to write a poem, or anything about this was in my head for a long time. Then everything clicked and I wrote it. I did a theses on college about war crimes in Africa, and from that moment on I swear, something changed and made me realize that the world needs to make even bigger efforts to help those people. No one deserves that kind of life. I just hope that this poem will make you think about this problem, about all the lives that we can help.
