February 2024 – Princeton Writes

Word of the Week: scumble (SKUM-bul)

Cate Mahoney2024-02-22T15:45:53-05:00

Word of the Week: scumble (SKUM-bul) Definition (Verb) 1 a : to make (something, such as color or a painting) less brilliant by covering with a thin coat of opaque or semiopaque color applied with a nearly dry brush 1 b : to apply (a color) in this manner 2 : to soften the lines or colors of (a drawing) by rubbing lightly In Context In an accomplished artist's hands, oil paint is fluid; it can be scumbled or glazed; it's a more versatile medium than tempera. Cate McQuaid, "Leonardo da Worcester," The Boston Globe, March 11, 2018.

Word of the Week: scumble (SKUM-bul)Cate Mahoney2024-02-22T15:45:53-05:00

A Poem for You: Seven Steps to Heaven by Tony Medina

admin2024-02-22T16:25:15-05:00

Seven Steps to Heaven Tony Medina If every bomb Appeared in the sky a dove Shrapnel into rain If vengeance vanquished From the cursed lips of weak men An idea never taking root If every tank vanished If by chance a miracle Peace reclaims the land If laughter broke out Like wars fought with satire’s Pugilist punning What room would there be For anger what bitter root Not allowed to stretch Its tentacles Through the hearts of men hardened By indifference What will we bequeath Our children if not a world Evermore human Copyright © 2024 by Tony Medina. Originally published [...]

A Poem for You: Seven Steps to Heaven by Tony Medinaadmin2024-02-22T16:25:15-05:00

epitome (ih-PIT-uh-mee)

Stephanie Whetstone2023-12-14T11:04:54-05:00

Definition a typical or ideal example: embodiment. a. a summary of written work. b. a brief presentation or statement of something. brief or miniature form--usually used with in. In Context "I really want to make movies about tangible, complicated love, and I think the epitome of love is family love." Jeremiah Zagar, quoted in The New York Magazine, 23 Aug. 2018

epitome (ih-PIT-uh-mee)Stephanie Whetstone2023-12-14T11:04:54-05:00

A Poem for You: Everybody’s Autobiography by Tracy K. Smith

admin2024-02-20T17:14:43-05:00

Everybody’s Autobiography Tracy K. Smith I find myself most alone When I believe I am striving for glory. These times, cool and sharp, A monument of moon-white stone lodges in place near my heart. In a dream, my children Glisten inside raindrops, or teardrops. Like strangers, like seeds of children. I will only be allowed to claim them If I consent to love everyone’s children. If I consent to love everyone’s children, Only then will I be allowed to claim them, My strangers, my seeds of children, Glistening inside raindrops or teardrops In my dream. Children Lodged in place near my [...]

A Poem for You: Everybody’s Autobiography by Tracy K. Smithadmin2024-02-20T17:14:43-05:00

Word of the Week: floriferous (flȯ-ˈri-f-e-rəs )

Cate Mahoney2023-12-14T11:03:30-05:00

Word of the Week: floriferous (flȯ-ˈri-f-e-rəs ) Definition (Adjective) Bearing flowers. In Context While intense and floriferous, hot hues aren’t for every garden. Maureen Gilmer, "For gorgeous blooms in the summer heat, you can’t beat lantanas," sacbee, June 22, 2018.

Word of the Week: floriferous (flȯ-ˈri-f-e-rəs )Cate Mahoney2023-12-14T11:03:30-05:00

A Poem for You: Theme for English B by Langston Hughes

admin2024-01-29T17:10:43-05:00

Theme for English B Langston Hughes The instructor said, Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you— Then, it will be true. I wonder if it's that simple? I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem. I went to school there, then Durham, then here to this college on the hill above Harlem. I am the only colored student in my class. The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem, through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas, Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y, the Harlem Branch Y, where I take [...]

A Poem for You: Theme for English B by Langston Hughesadmin2024-01-29T17:10:43-05:00

Verbs Add Power!

admin2024-09-25T13:40:39-04:00

Verbs Add Power! by Stephanie Whetstone As writers, we want to sound smart and savvy on the page, to fit into the lofty academic world at places like Princeton, or simply to stand out in our communities. Many writers go about this by adding excessive adverbs and adjectives or obscure language to their prose. The theory might be, "If it's difficult to understand, it must sound intelligent!" I wholeheartedly disagree. The best writing is clear, concise, and logically structured. It conveys ideas in a way that invites thought and collaboration, not exclusivity. It educates, enlivens, and elucidates. It does not rely [...]

Verbs Add Power!admin2024-09-25T13:40:39-04:00