A Dappled Freebie
Bill McGurn ·
February 11, 2012 at 3:14am
I don't know how many Ricocheters are readers of Dappled Things, a literary magazine about life written from a Catholic perspective and named after a line in a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem. I've always enjoyed looking at it, especially the art. The issue just released gives me especial pleasure, because it features a short story by someone I'm particularly close to: my bride.
I shall not give it away, but I will hint that it involves love, a Korean laundry, a smudged dress and a widower. Best of all: it's free online -- at least for now. Read it and let me know what you think.
PS., I'm not the husband. I'm much better than that guy.
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Comments:
Jan '11
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Memories are such a wonderful thing. My high school English teacher - what is it now - 30 years ago - once mentioned that Hopkins was his favorite poet. Stories ran through the school that he once rode a motorcycle through the halls. It was the first time I had encountered a wild artistic rebel - back when Hopkins could have been considered counterculture. Can't wait to read the story!
Re: A Dappled Freebie
I am a Mrs. McGurn fan from way back. Can't wait to read it. She is, as I've told you Bill, my favorite McGurn of all.
Nov '10
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Thanks for the link. Lovely story, and the Hopkins poem is one of my favorites (I was reciting it to myself just last weekend).
May '11
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Bill McGurn on Red Eye!
May '10
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Lucy's right. It's a lovely story. Reminds me a little of Van and Davy Van Auken. In their case it wasn't love of her he doubted, but love of God he lacked in himself, but found later through his dead wife's sweet intercession.
They too (I mean Van and Davy), like Serena, felt the link between beauty and pain.
My favorite Hopkins poem is As Kingfishers Catch Fire.
Oct '11
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Thanks so for a wonderfully written story...truly beautiful..lane
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Rob, It's deeply unfair that my wife would get *both* the looks and the talent in my family.
The husband doesn't come across all that well in this story. I am urging a new character for Mrs. McGurn's next story: a California t.v. writer and political commentator and online entrepreneur. We'll see how you like that one!
Nov '10
Re: A Dappled Freebie
Bill McGurn
Rob, It's deeply unfair that my wife would get *both* the looks and the talent in my family.
The husband doesn't come across all that well in this story. I am urging a new character for Mrs. McGurn's next story: a California t.v. writer and political commentator and online entrepreneur. We'll see how you like that one!
I disagree about the husband. I think he's actually a lot like my father, who selflessly and devotedly nursed my ailing mother until she died (recently), and who yet on her death could only focus on the things he could have done better. Isn't that the point? That love is an action, not a feeling, and his actions embodied love?