Large Fierce Mammal

“The Hatpin Peril” Terrorized Men Who Couldn’t Handle the 20th-Century Woman ~ Smithsonian Magazine

“The thorn defends the rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict.”

As you will surely know Goode Reader, I make little attempt to keep my appreciation for cold steel and those who deftly wield it any kind of a secret around here. Tonight, please join me in revisiting a representative rhyme from years past to season the pan, as it were, for a lively ditty from none other than Elsa Lanchester.

While the exquisite Ms. Lanchester died of pneumonia on 26 December 1986 at the age of 84, at the end of an extensive and acclaimed theatrical career, she will be best known to most of you (to her chagrin no doubt even if you haven’t previously even heard her name) from playing the title role in the 1935 motion picture Bride of Frankenstein. Even if you don’t remember the woman, you will know the hairdo all too well, and likely her signature scream. Let’s pause to view the trailer —

Onward now to tonight’s entertainments with this, first published here in July of 2013 —

The Thorn and the Rose

By LFM

So the Rose may grow in peace,
It bears the gleaming thorn.
Though needle sharp, it offers no
Offense to any born.

In glare of radiant beauty,
Peaceful thorn can scarce be seen,
But its presence will be felt by all
That seek to harm its Queen.

The thorn knows nought of conflict,
In its sweet repose profound.
No malice does it bring to putting
Blood upon the ground.

We will conclude with a polite request for the kind indulgence of the ever so educational Elsa Lanchester in singing us out.