Death is Eternal #374
Saturday. November 11, 2023. 1,720 words.
Saturday? Yes, Saturday. Jessica’s classes are back, so while she studies, I write, which is funny because if it were the other way around, she wouldn’t be writing. And that’s a good thing. One creative person per couple is already one too many creative people; after all, there’s no money in creativity. Anyhow, welcome to this week’s Death is Eternal!
Contents
The United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves
Writing: Feeling like a fraud
Bye!
Life (from November 6 to 18, 2023)
Death is Eternal review #245: We3 by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jamie Grant, and Todd Klein
The end
1. The United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves
“I find solace in this place,” murmured John VI, Prince Regent, casting a thoughtful gaze upon the surroundings. “It resonates with me on a profound level.”
Maria, the Queen, intercepted his sentiment with a wry observation, “Your affinity goes beyond mere liking; it stems from our shared task of corralling the chickens.”
A heavy sigh escaped John VI as he grappled with the worsening ailment afflicting his mother. The Queen’s resilient battle, spanning two decades since its detection in 1786, only fuelled his impatient yearning for her release. A silent plea echoed within him—an end to the suffering that had persisted for far too long.
The Queen, sensing the approaching shadows of her own unravelling, spoke with poignant introspection, “My mind slips away, elusive and fleeting.”
In a tender lie, John VI reassured, “No, mother, your mind remains a bastion of clarity, perhaps sharper than mine.”
A fleeting smile from Maria I acknowledged his comforting deception. “Why express fondness for this place?” she probed.
Breathing heavily, the Prince Regent broached a delicate topic, “Mother, recall of Napoleon?”
The Queen, agitated, recalled their forced exile, “That wretched soul compelled us to abandon our homeland. The memory lingers, indelible.”
“He faced defeat,” John VI stated sombrely, the lack of joy mirrored in his voice.
Maria I, perplexed by her muted response to the news, grappled with an unspoken disturbance, unable to pinpoint its source.
As the Prince Regent delved into the whispers of discontent in Portugal, “Why are they still in Brazil?” They ask. “It’s inadmissible for them to rule from a colony,” they say.
Maria I acknowledged, “They have a point.”
Regret lingered in John IV’s voice as he concurred, “Yes, indeed.”
Yet, the resilient and cunning Queen veered into a whimsical metaphor, “Royalty grants us the freedom to soar among trees like ethereal toucans.”
Witnessing his mother’s lapse into whimsy, the Prince Regent’s eyes betrayed pity rather than concern.
Maria I, embarrassed by her own lapse, redirected with regal resolve, “Being Queen affords the privilege to shape realms. I could declare Brazil a Kingdom, dispelling the murmurs.”
In disbelief, John VI regarded his mother, who asserted with a lucid spark, “They may dub me Maria the Mad, but I retain my sagacity. I’ll fashion Brazil into a Kingdom, uniting our domains into the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and beyond. You shall reign as its patriarch.”
Overwhelmed, the Prince Regent sought confirmation, “Mother, you’re a genius! But would you be willing to undertake such a monumental act for me?” She said “yes” with her head.
John VI hugged Maria I; he got up and went to the door, saying, “I’ll ask someone to write the law, then you can sign it.”
“No!” The Queen’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was full of power. “I’ll be dead sooner than later, and my illness is well known. You’ll sign the law. I don’t want anyone saying the sea will flood the walls.”
The Prince Regent stopped for a second, as did the Queen. She repeated the words and then started to talk again, “I don’t want anyone arguing that the law is invalid because a madwoman signed it. Also, it will give you power. You’ll make Brazil a Kingdom. You’ll unify our Kingdoms, creating the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and whatever other colony you want, and then you’ll rule this United Kingdom. You’ll be its father, and no one questions a father’s order.”
“Mother--”
“Don’t,” Maria I savoured the last lucid moment she would have. She knew that was it. The Queen knew that she was as good as dead after that speech. “As I said, I may be ill, but I’m still brighter than most. Now go, my son, become the great King I know you’ll be.”
John VI did as ordered after kissing the mom on her forehead. As the son left the room, the Queen drowned herself in darkness.
The end
The United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves was a pluricontinental monarchy formed by the elevation of the Portuguese colony named the State of Brazil to the status of a Kingdom and by the simultaneous union of that Kingdom of Brazil with the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of the Algarves, constituting a single state consisting of three Kingdoms.
2. Writing: Feeling like a fraud
Today marks a significant moment for me as I ponder the purpose of this section and the act of writing itself. The apparent answer, “Because I’m a writer,” only scratches the surface, prompting me to delve deeper. Why do I consistently share fragments of advice on becoming a better writer when I, the dispenser of guidance, am not a seasoned author?
That is a question I grapple with, and while I lack a perfect answer, I seek clarity—perhaps a personal clarity that may only satisfy me. After all, as a writer, my approach to confronting life’s questions is to write about them.
First and foremost, I must be candid with both you and myself regarding the existence of this “writing” section. Its purpose is twofold: a platform to express my thoughts and showcase my knowledge. It’s not merely about demonstrating my ability to write; it’s an assertion that I comprehend the craft, studying and contemplating the intricacies of writing. The underlying message is that, upon scrutiny, a publisher would recognize not only my writing prowess but also my professional approach.
Moreover, it serves as a means of cultivating fans—subscribers. When my words resonate with someone multiple times, there’s an opportunity for them to transition from an occasional reader to an avid one.
Lastly, my writing experience provides a unique perspective. While many may read advice from established authors, I offer a distinct viewpoint. I am not a professional; I am still navigating the journey. It’s not a distant memory but an integral part of my daily life. Consequently, my insights offer a fresh perspective on the challenges of aspiring to be a writer.
In essence, I write not as a bestselling author with a secret formula for success but as someone, much like you, constantly grappling to reach a point where writing and contemplating its nuances consume my existence. While I may not offer the most technical advice, I believe I provide valuable insights into the challenges one faces while aspiring to follow the guidance of the pros.
(Additionally, I engage in this writing to understand and navigate my own emotions and questions, a fundamental aspect of why I write in general.)
Do you resonate with my perspective? Do you believe this section holds value for those on a similar journey, or do you think only those who have already reached their destination should offer advice?
3. Bye!
Here’s where we say our farewell to the free subscribers. If you want to read the rest of Death is Eternal, consider becoming a paying subscriber. If you already are a paying subscriber, first of all, thank you very, very much! And second, I’ll see you on the other side of the paywall.
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