Chapter 97
The River of Light
Noon's fervid hour perchance six thousand miles From hence is distant; and the shadowy cone Almost to level on our earth declines; When from the midmost of this blue abyss By turns some star is to our vision lost. And straightway as the handmaid of the sun Puts forth her radiant brow, all, light by light, Fade, and the spangled firmament shuts in, E'en to the loveliest of the glittering throng. Thus vanish'd gradually from my sight The triumph, which plays ever round the point, That overcame me, seeming (for it did) Engirt by that it girdeth. Wherefore love, With…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Name Your Preface
List one shadowy preface you have seen at work (river emblem, not full rose). Write what drinking the refining wave would require of you. Name one sick-forum behavior blocking a reform seat. End with one sentence honoring your art's limit.
Consider:
- •Preface is emblem, not necessarily deception
- •Defect may be unaspiring view, not crude content
- •Round rose follows drink, not impatient demand
Journaling Prompt
Write about a moment when counterfeit semblance dropped and you saw the whole assembly differently.
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