Darlene's Digest

“You underestimate the will of the American people, Doctor.” He poked his finger in the air for emphasis. “When you push us, we push back. Hard. John Bull cannot bully America into surrendering now any more than you could forty years ago. Have you already forgotten the lesson of Fort McHenry?” He rummaged in his desk and pulled out a tattered newspaper, much folded and creased. “My mother sent this to me with the letters, a newspaper from home. A Mr. Key wrote a poem about the battle, Doctor, titled ‘The Defence of Fort McHenry.’ Look here—‘the land of the free and the home of the brave.’ That’s America, Charley! I won’t ask you to drink to an American victory, but you won’t mind if I have a tot?” David poured himself some rum while humming a tune. Charley listened, her head cocked to the side. “I know that tune—I heard it in the inn where I waited to board the Lady Jane . It is ‘To Anacreon in Heaven,’ is it not? I recall the people who attempted to navigate its melody often failed m...

He rummaged in his desk and pulled out a tattered newspaper, much folded and creased. “My mother sent this to me with the letters, a newspaper from home. A Mr. Key wrote a poem about the battle, Doctor, titled ‘The Defence of Fort McHenry’. Look here–‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’. That’s America, Charley! I won’t ask you to drink to an American victory, but you won’t mind if I have a tot?” David poured himself some rum while humming a tune. Charley listened, her head cocked to the side. "I know that tune–I heard it in the inn where I waited to board the Lady Jane . It is ‘To Anacreon in Heaven’, is it not? I recall the people who attempted to navigate its melody often failed miserably.” “Maybe it’s a song best attempted while drinking for the full effect. But I’m told it is now popular in Baltimore with lyrics based on Mr. Key’s poem–‘And the rockets’ red glare…’ .” Charley snickered as his voice strained through the notes. “T...

“But take heart, men, just as your countrymen did! America cannot be frightened into submission!” He waved a paper. “I have here the account of the battle of Baltimore and the glorious defense of Fort McHenry! The nation still stands strong, boys, and will never bow to tyrants! A cheer for the United States of America, and an extra ration of rum tonight for its gallant heroes!” The men threw their hats into the air while cheering, “Huzzah for the United States!” --SEA CHANGE Today is the anniversary of the bombardment of Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812.  For over 25 hours British warships rained fire down on the American fort. Out of it came a renewed commitment to America's freedom, and a national anthem. I may raise a glass myself tonight to honor our nation's gallant defenders, then and now.

From Sea Change , a work in progress:             “I know that tune–I heard it in the inn where I waited to board the Lady Jane .   It is ‘To Anacreon in Heaven’ , is it not?   I recall the people who attempted to navigate its melody often failed miserably.”             “Maybe it’s a song best attempted while drinking for the full effect.   But I’m told it is now popular in Baltimore with lyrics based on Mr. Key’s poem–‘And the rockets’ red glare...’ .”             Charley snickered as his voice strained through the notes.               “That tune will never catch on, Captain.   Certainly not the way you sing!   Best you stick to sailing your ship.” Today is the anniversary of the bombardment of Ft. McHenry, during what some historians...

Image via Wikipedia I love the serendipitous moments that occasionally fall into your lap. Today I realized that if my WIP's current action is set around autumn 1814, I might be able to work in the burning of Washington and the battle of Fort McHenry. Sure enough, my dates coincided and suddenly I had a whole new scene referencing that action, and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. These may be my favorite moments while I'm writing. When something "clicks" and a scene takes shape and everything makes sense once again.