My mother died at fifty-nine — altogether too young for a woman of such talent, beauty, and generosity. Unofficial cause of death: Fatal...

Mother! Hear me! My heart is heavy with sorrow I confess I find small hope in tomorrow For the sons of man wield a heavy hand Leaving...

I was born a bard. Long before I could read or write I held court beneath the willow tree and amused the neighbor kids with tales of...