Marc Comtois

Two of my writing "heroes", the historian Bernard Bailyn and the harder to classify Jacques Barzun, both received National Humanities Medals last week. Bailyn's Ideological Origins of the American Revolution was an eye-opener for me and changed the way I view history by turning me onto the role that ideas play (instead of just "players"). My first introduction to Barzun was his work on writing and researching ( The Modern Researcher ) that was required reading for my history courses at Providence College.  I then ran across a collection of his essays and another book on writing, which I keep handy. A well-deserved honor for both men.

See the girls With bouncy curls See the boys Serious, poised Pointed toes Arms pinned close Ghillies tied tight (We hope!) Fiddle plays the tune Music fills the room Dancers spring Clasp hands in a ring Twirling, whirling Weave through a maze Heads unfazed Leap apart Hit the mark Stillness Take a bow Then take two Go offstage Change those shoes (Quickly!) Now move the feet To the bodrhan's beat Legs fly up Feet come down Hard shoes smack Clackity-clack Stomp! Stillness Whether Hornpipe, Or reel Or a jig That is up Smiles erupt Because of the joy That is damhsa