Friday marked my last week of academics at Charlotte Latin School. It was hectic and I had less time than usual to devote to semi-colon.
Rather than a hastily written installment, I thought I would simply share three things I’ve enjoyed recently: a story, a song, and a book.
Hopefully, each will speak to you in some way. Please share your thoughts on any or all of them in the comments sections below.
Thank you so much for your continued support of semi-colon. And a special thanks to all those who shared their experiences in response to last week’s discussion question.
My high school graduation is next weekend followed by a beach trip with friends. Be on the lookout next Sunday morning for a special guest post by my Dad.
On to three things:
Song – As I Rise by Fruit Bats
“I have come a few miles,
I got blisters on my slippered feet,
As I rise, as I rise…”
Story – The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This story was not my favorite when I read it for American Studies last year (apologies to Ms. Klein.) My sister, Katie, recommended I re-read it after the last two semi-colon posts, and this time I was into it. Only 10 pages, and worth the time.
Book – The Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison
This book helped me better understand my own mind. A great read about psychology without being full of psychoanalysis. This quick review will tell you more. I’m not here to sell you books and you can find it cheaper on Amazon, but be a sport and buy it from your local bookseller if you can.
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William, I will read and reread the The Yellow Wallpaper. It has a lot to unpack. I will also get the book you recommended. I wasn’t tech savvy enough to get the music, but I will Google the lyrics. Thanks for these three things.
I was so excited this morning to see you are going to graduate and go to the beach. Way to go, William! You should be so proud of yourself; I know that your mom and dad must be so happy. Have a great time! You deserve it! Love, oooxxx
When I first looked at all 3 things you listed, I knew I had take time to listen/read each with time to fully understand them all. First of all, the song is wonderful. I love music but more specifically love music/artists for their lyrics. With almost all the music I listen to, I look at the lyrics and think more deeply than most about them. My whole family knows that if a song has a good message or good lyrics, I’d love to take a listen. I’ve taken note on the music you have shared through this Substack as well as other social media platforms. The music you share never ever fails to speak to me and along with your posts and the words you share, there is also always a part of me that is excited for the music that will come with it. The Yellow Wallpaper was a very interesting one. As I finished each page and section, I took time to think about it and by the end I had so many emotions about it. I feel like this is the type of piece that you could analyze forever. There are tons of lines I could point out that hit me but hard but for the sake of the lengthiness of the message I feel I should keep it simple. One of my favorites being
“John does not know how much I really suffer. He knows there is no reason to suffer, and that satisfies him.”
Another being the whole section when this is said,
“Really dear you are better! "
" Better in body perhaps - "
But overall this story ended up being so meaningful and I’m so glad I read it now and took the time to understand all the pieces. It’s one I will definitely keep coming back to.
The book is one I will have to find somewhere to read but I can only imagine it’s a very good and insightful book. Will need to find soon!
Thank you for sharing these 3 things this Sunday morning and happy graduation!!☺️
-D