Nostalgia is one of the most powerful emotions in the human psyche, not least because change — so often for the worse — is one of the most powerful realities we all face. Some of this change, be it political, … Continue reading
Author Archives: Charles A. Coulombe
Easter — The “Other” Holiday
Easter is soon to be upon us, after the emotional roller coaster ride of tragedy and triumph that is Holy Week. As with Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hallowe’en, and the Fourth of July, after a certain age the glimmer of nostalgia leads … Continue reading
Along the King’s Highway
I have done a great deal of traveling in the past few months: October saw me in Cleveland, Ohio, and New England; November brought me to the Hudson Valley of my birth and earliest years; and in February and March … Continue reading
Thoughts on the Sapphire Jubilee
As I write these words, it is February 6, 2017 — the Sapphire Jubilee of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and her other Realms and Territories, Lord of Mann, Duke … Continue reading
Confessions of a ‘Gladtrad’
Christmas, New Year’s, and Epiphany always, I think, make us meditative over our past, present, and future. We are tempted to look at the events and challenges of our lives in isolation — not merely from those of others, but … Continue reading
We Need a Little Christmas – Or a Lot!
…I’ve grown a little leaner Grown a little colder Grown a little sadder Grown a little older And I need a little angel Sitting on my shoulder I need a little Christmas now –Jerry Herman, “We Need a Little Christmas” … Continue reading
Autumn Reveries
Mellow-faced, with eyes of faery, wistful clad in tinted leaves, See the brown October tarry by the golden rows of sheaves; Oak & acorn in his garland, fruit & wineskin in his hands, Mystic pilgrim from a far land down … Continue reading
England and Always: Can These Bones Live?
“ENGLAND AND ALWAYS” THE BRITISH, THE EMPIRE, AND THE FAITH Part IX: Can These Bones Live? All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots … Continue reading
England and Always: Coming Home
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part VIII: Coming Home O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry, our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die; the walls of gold entomb … Continue reading
England and Always: Decline and Fall
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part VII: Decline and Fall Why, If there’s a God in the sky, Why shouldn’t He grin High Above this dreary Twentieth century din? In this strange illusion, Chaos and … Continue reading
England and Always: Imperium et Libertas?
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part VI: Imperium et Libertas? His column was five thousand strong—all mounted men—and guns: There met, beneath the world-wide flag, the world-wide Empire’s sons; They came to prove to all … Continue reading
England and Always: Romance and Religion
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part V: Romance and Religion The splendour falls on castle walls And snowy summits old in story: The long light shakes across the lakes, And the wild cataract leaps in … Continue reading
England and Always: Good King George and the Dragon
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part IV: Good King George and the Dragon Ye, Tories all rejoice and sing, success to George our gracious King. The faithful subjects tribute bring, and execrate the Congress. These … Continue reading
England and Always: In the Good Old Colony Days
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part III: In the Good Old Colony Days In good old colony days When we lived under the King, Three roguish chaps fell into mishaps Because they could not sing … Continue reading
England and Always: When the King Enjoys His Own Again
“England and Always” The British, the Empire, and the Faith Part II: When the King Enjoys His Own Again Though for a time we see Whitehall With cobwebs hanging on the wall Instead of gold and silver brave Which formerly … Continue reading
