“The First Line of the Story” – Sursum Corda News September 2022
Dear Sursum Corda Mamas–
I have read some amazing first lines this week:
“Arms and a man I sing…”
“Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov was the third son of a landowner from our district, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov, well known in his own day (and still remembered among us) because of his dark and tragic death, which happened exactly thirteen years ago and which I shall speak of in its proper place.”
“Of man’s first disobedience and the fruit / of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste / brought death into the world and all our woe”
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
“Rage–Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…”
“My dear Wormwood, I note what you say about guiding our patient’s reading and taking care that he sees a good deal of his materialist friend. But are you not being a trifle naïf?
These lines show so much of what is to come! The plot, the theme, the tone of voice, the very smell of the air in the world we are entering.
How are the opening lines of your schoolyear sounding? What themes, what tone has marked your start?
Friends, the tasks will never be done. The level of organization will never be up to your standards. Attitudes will never be perfect this side of heaven. BUT a single day can tell a story–of wonder, maybe, or forgiveness–that will change a child’s heart forever. Come, Holy Spirit, and tell your tales through us.
With love,
Heather (for the Board)