Theoryland of the Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan's Blog: Some more thank yous (Verbatim)

Dear all: Most sincere thanks from Robert Jordan (via Harriet) go out to

Michael J. Fredericks, Jean Verney-Carron, Evan Harmon, Lisa Kirwood, Ryan Salsamendi, Emma de Laat (hello, Emma!), David Freeman, Helena Taylor and Janet Taylor

for gifts to the Mao Hematologic Malignancies Program—amyloidosis research. Thank you one and all.

Jim is taking it easy today, since we go up to the Mayo tomorrow for a routine workup -- but as a consolation prize, here is a poem of mine:

Bard: n., a full set of equine armor.

Your head seethes with essential magic,
its glittering chanfron deep and wise,
high-buffed, strong in dream and reason.
and your escutcheon shining pure.
The crinet of your glistening neck,
articulated, burnished,
glides swiftly to the brazen peytral
of your great roomy chest.
On it emblazoned script in gothic flame:
Live in today, live for tomorrow.
Your flanchards bearing you in strength,
shine bright below your gleaming crupper.
And for your groin: festooned galloons,
fine textiles in a nest, and heavy gold.
All worlds flare in your burning eyes,
as soul and words bring fat new flames
to the pale page, and to my greedy heart.

Hope you enjoy it. You have all been a wonderful support for both of us.... I guess this is a little thank-you token. Best, Harriet

harriet, fandom, poetry,

Robert Jordan's Blog: A Little Update (Verbatim)

For Kaius, we haven't broken out the champers just yet. I thought when I hit single digits would be a good time, so with luck, it will be in January. Knock wood. I'm glad you liked Harriet's poem. It took me a long time to convince her to begin submitting her work, and she had just gotten publication in half a dozen magazines and poetry journals when I blew up in her face, and she lost energy for writing. I see signs that it is returning, though. For those who might be interested, by the way, the word bard refers not only to the fellow with a harp but also to horse armor. A horse wearing full armor was said to be fully barded. It seems to me that it also references some part of removable castle protection as well, but the memory is vague, and I am too lazy to go browse the proper books and make sure.

harriet, poetry,

Robert Jordan's Blog: Christmas (From Harriet) (Verbatim)

Dear Jason, something to post, to celebrate the season—and Jim's WONDERFUL news. Love to you all, Harriet

A Genuine Wham-O

Lists for cards, lists for cookies,
lists for books and scarves and games
and candles. Maybe
a bell would fit in there.
Maybe I'll give it up and be a witch.

My ersatz Frisbee—
cards and scarves—
are packed with love,
but never seem to hit the mark,
the tender lips, the gleaming fangs
of those I throw them to.
I'll borrow a young terrier bitch
and lob a real one for her.

Frisbees of love? We live in one:
the Milky Way. Or are you going
to fob me off with dusty physics,
lumps of coal and willow switches?
Please! The world sends me huge bright disks
of love and light.
Although it's hard to see them, hidden as they are
in books and scarves and games
and candles. And a bell.

—Harriet Popham Rigney

harriet, poetry,