Writing by Candle-light - Part 4

Joseph walked through the back streets and alleys that, on this day, seemed unusually cold and hard. With every step he saw the women cheapening themselves, men who had given over all responsibility. Each and every face could tell a story, but they were largely the underclass to whom everyone seemed to cater. Joseph despised the way that these people who milled around the streets had forsaken all hope, all sense of pride and moreover good manners. It had often seemed to Joseph that with each new day it became more difficult to reverse the decline of manners and the devaluation of intellect.



It did not take Joseph long to walk from his abode to the park and it’s quaint coffee shop. Even though Joseph knew that he would never set foot in another meeting of poets, Joseph was not about to cut all ties to artistic under-land that existed in the county. Joseph was on his way to meet with two of the most accomplished poets in the area. Their work flowed like great rivers, changing the places they ran to. This meeting was one that would change his life; at least that was the intention of Joseph and his comrades. In the harsh midday sun Joseph, Stephan and Louis sat to discuss the plan that they had waited a year to put into action.

“The cattle-like masses look down upon us, and we get little support from centres of learning.” As often happened Joseph was the first to speak. “We cannot continue to let them forget their manners. They sit in their ivy-covered castles, self elected arbiters of literature.”

“It is true that they have dedicated themselves to controlling what is seen as right and proper with the world of literature. They control all presses and with delicate subterfuge control what the unwashed see, hear and learn to believe.” The considered response from Louis made the trio pause.


Before each man, on the table at which they sat, lay their considered proposals for change. No longer willing to accept the mores of a civilised society, the three men were meeting to discuss their proposals. One way or another the poets were determined to enact change. They would force the uncouth society that surrounded them to regain manners and pride. No longer would people cheapen themselves; the poets would bring about revolution.


The three men sat and discussed with great passion and eloquence the plans lain before them. The men sat until twilight had deepened into night, and the warm rays of the sun had been replaced with the cool evening breeze from the sea. Joseph drew in a breath, trying to comprehend the significance of the task before each man. Over 26 short days these men were going to bring about a change. They were going to do something that many men had tried to do. Something that people had died for, something good, true and right.


All three men stood, as they did so Joseph announced:

“Gentlemen, quicumque est nostri portamus nobis.” Each man nodded and bade their goodbyes. With no words left to be spoken, Joseph watched as Louis and Stephan went their own ways into the black of the night. Waiting until all trace of his comrades was gone; Joseph turned on his heel and headed back to his humble home, his chair and his duties.


In a few short weeks the sun would dawn over a new world, a world that would be changed forever.