Saturday, April 30, 2011

A-Z Blog Challenge: Z

Z is for Zephyr

When I began the A-Z blog challenge, I had in mind to explain some of the unique aspects of the characters in my book.  Things that are very normal to them and their world.  As I got into blogging though, it turned more into the writing side of my world.  But one thing I didn’t really want to let by without explaining is the Breath of Zephyr. 

In my book, Cornerstone Deep, Cole and his brothers are from a gifted dimension, Meridian.  They can manipulate the elements, disperse their bodies into smoke and fly, and they can emit the Breath of Zephyr. 

While all people from that dimension have a common scent, mostly noticeable when they’re around family and friends—men licorice and women almond—each has a personal scent they share with their chosen.  It’s in their breath and is an intimate part of them.   

The idea for this came from a piece I memorized in High School.  It was the prelude to the Canterbury Tales.  I've always loved this piece and the visual this particular passage paints. 


       When in April the sweet showers fall
       And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all
       The veins are bathed in liquor of such power
       As brings about the engendering of the flower,
5     When also Zephyrus with his sweet breath
       Exhales an air in every grove and heath
       Upon the tender shoots,
and the young sun
       His half-course in the sign of the Ram has run,
       And the small fowl are making melody
10   That sleep away the night with open eye
       

In Greek mythology, Zephyr was the god of the west wind.  A Zephyr is also known as a sweet breeze.  The full prelude can be found here.  I hope you enjoy it.


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3 comments:

J. D. Brown said...

Oh Charlene, I love this! I didn't know there was a god named Zephyr, I thought you made up the breath of Zephyr! What a beautiful and inspiring piece. Thank you for sharing.

Rhonda Albom said...

Zephyr is also the name of a restaurant I used to eat at, I remember the name, but not the city (or even the country). We did it, congratulations on completing the challenge!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Charlene, we did it! Congratulations! I have an award for you!!