A Criticism of Literary Criticism

While in college, I took an obligatory literature class. I’m sure the school believed that this would make me a better person. Well, actually, it probably did. I read some good stuff and then some other stuff and then I had to think about it. So far, so good.

However, you can’t escape a literature class without being exposed to the insanity of ‘literary criticism.’ At first, I tried to take it seriously. I tried to imitate my mentors and masters. But, the more I tried, the more I cried. No, no, no. This was not an occupation for reasonable people with something useful to occupy their time.

I threw a hissy-fit. I wrote and submitted the following:

Poem: A Small Collection of Cinquains

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A Small Collection of Cinquains

Life Will Get You in the End:
Short Stories by David Satterlee

from the book: Life Will Get You in the End:
Short stories by David Satterlee

Find out more, including where to buy books and ebooks

Read or download this story as a PDF file at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4eNv8KtePyKZEJ0WnVaR3dHRTA/edit?usp=sharing

My wife, Dianna, was teaching a unit on poetry to fifth-graders and thought that I should come and give them a talk on cinquains and limericks. I knew that I could do some real damage with limericks; but, cinquains? So, I started by looking up the word "cinquain." Boy, what a pro!

A cinquain is written with 5 lines having 2, 4, 6, 8, and 2 syllables respectively. The first and last lines are complementary. The 2^nd line may have two words in contrast.

  
A cinquain is kind of like a Haiku, only different. OK. Got it? 

A Small Collection of Cinquains

My wife, Dianna is a talented and creative teacher. For several years, with her encouragement, I served as a part-time substitute teacher. From time to time, she invited me to talk to her classes about writing. 

It helps students to have an initial model of any new idea or form. This collection was prepared for Dianna Satterlee’s 5^th Grade Language Arts Class at Smokey Mountain Elementary School, just south of Cherokee, North Carolina.

A Cinquain is written with 5 lines having 2, 4, 6, 8, and 2 syllables respectively. The first and last lines are complementary. The 2^nd line may have two words in contrast.

About the beauty of North Carolina

Misty,
Rocky, cascades
Dancing waters falling;
Gleaming in the early morning
Sun light.

About Mrs. Satterlee

Teacher.
Happy leader.
Guiding her new children;
Making learning fun because she
Wants to.

About Myself

Learner.
Constant reader.
Always gaining knowledge;
Seeking wisdom and to be a

Teacher.

 

Reader's theater: The Nehushta Serpent

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The Nehushta Serpent

from the book: Life Will Get You in the End:
Short stories by David Satterlee

Find out more, including where to buy books and ebooks

Read or download this story as a PDF file at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4eNv8KtePyKakVORXJHdmxvN1k/edit?usp=sharing

Life Will Get You in the End:
Short Stories by David Satterlee

Reader's theater for two female voices. Guys, don't ever assume that it's okay to not be sweet to your wives and girlfriends. 

The Nehushta Serpent

Scene – In the Market

Two women in conservative dress meet in a market. They may be pushing carts or carrying baskets. There are no extras in view. The younger speaks first, addressing the older.

Rachel

Oh, Sister Abigail! I am so glad to see you again. It has been some weeks and so much has come to pass.

Abigail

Yes, my dear Sister Rachel. May the Lord’s blessings, comfort, and love be upon you in your time of distress.

Rachel

The Lord and his Church have been exceedingly kind. Each family, in its turn have come to sit and break bread with me. Pastor Thomas took the lead in putting my husband to rest after his passing, and no trouble has come upon me.

Abigail

Then all is well. How come you here this day up?

Rachel

Truth be told, I have