A Simple Hug

There's something in a simple hug

That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part

A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you

Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbor,
Or a cuddly teddy bear

A hug is an amazing thing -
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say

It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and type,
It's always understood

And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts

by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
Art https://cathleentarawhiti.deviantart.com/

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A castle built by the Moors, taken by the Vikings, and conquered by the King of Portugal

The charming Portuguese town of Sintra is famous for its fairytale palaces and enchanting gardens. Although Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are the highlights of the hilly region, the Moorish Castle has recently gained the attention it deserves. The castle lacks the extravagance of the other two palaces, but that doesn’t make it unworthy of a visit. On the contrary, the unique structure is a perfect spot for every history lover.

The Castle of the Moors, or Castelo dos Mouros, was built in the 8th and 9th century by the North African Moors during their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, hence its name. The Moors chose a strategic military location high in the mountains over the River Tagus. Once it was completed, the castle was of great significance for the Moors and remained so until the end of their rule.

The Norwegian Viking Sigurd I Magnusson, a king better known as Sigurd the Crusader, took over the castle in 1108. The Vikings were headed to Jerusalem and as soon as they left the castle, it was once again in the hands of the Moors. Finally, after a couple of attempts to expel the Moors from the castle and the country itself, it was conquered by the King of Portugal, Afonso I “the Conqueror” Henriques, in 1147.

Castle of the Moors, Sintra. Author: Lacobrigo. CC BY-SA 3.0

Archeological excavations at the site have discovered remains of a mosque and a few houses that used to be inhabited by the North African Muslims. On the location where once the mosque stood,  Afonso I “the Conqueror” Henriques built a small chapel. Although it remains undiscovered until today, one legend has it that under the cistern is the burial site of one of the powerful North African Kings.

The Chapel of São Pedro de Penaferrim, with the arched doorway and decorated capitals. Author: Lusitana. CC BY 2.5

The monarchs of Portugal continuously used the castle; however, it wasn’t as important as it had been during the Moorish rule. The last king of Portugal believed to have used the castle was Fernando I. The monarchs kept the original Moorish architecture of the castle but made small alterations. After the 14th century, it was neglected. For a short period, Jewish families lived in the castle. However, it was once again abandoned after they were banished from the country.

The large cistern that provided water for the castle. Author: China Crisis. CC BY-SA 3.0

The Moorish Castle didn’t see any improvements in the following centuries. In fact, its condition has only gotten worse. Vegetation took over the castle and a big fire damaged most of the towers and rooms. Also, the tremendous earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 affected the architecture of the castle. But no one was willing to repair it and everything was indicating that nature would eventually destroy the castle. And so it would have probably ended up if it weren’t for King Ferdinand II.

Moorish Castle. Author: Weekend Wayfarers. CC BY 2.0

In 1842, he built the Pena Palace and enjoyed looking at the Moorish Castle from his residence. However, the condition of the medieval fortress troubled the King, so he started to make plans to restore it. Ferdinand II was a great admirer of the arts, and the castle was his favorite spot for painting. Everyone who has visited the castle would be unsurprised by this fact.

Pena Palace pictured from the Moorish Castle. Author: Travelholic Path. CC BY 2.0

It has breathtaking views: from one side is the magnificent Pena Palace, and on the other is the oldest palace in Portugal, the National Palace of Sintra. Beautiful landscapes and the fairytale town of Sintra beneath the fortress are also part of the unforgettable panoramic views. And when the weather permits, it is possible to see the Atlantic Ocean from the highest spot of the castle, known as the King’s Tower.

Related story from us: Serralves: Once the villa of an Art Deco-obsessed Portuguese count, now a cultural center

Ferdinand II liked the Moorish Castle very much and did everything he could to maintain it. In the 20th century, it was once more restored as part of the commemoration of the foundation of Portugal. Archeological excavations continue to this day, and so far the archeologists have also discovered a Christian graveyard and many artifacts on the site that are now on display in the castle. Today, the remarkable Morish Castle is a National Monument, open to visitors and since 1995 has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/10/27/a-castle-built-by-the-moors-taken-by-the-vikings-and-conquered-by-the-king-of-portugal/

Lynx Cub

The lynx cub smirked just like a cat

That once I used to own,
With turned up smile it calmly sat
Content to pause alone...
With golden eyes and golden nose
It seemed to sense its worth,
But even beauty has its foes
When hunters prowl this Earth...

A prized possession, nothing more?
A conversation piece?
A fashioned fur some might adore,
As if a golden fleece?
Gone forever or maybe stuffed,
Its head upon a wall,
A trophy of this lynx unloved,
A story to recall...

Each life must have its numbered days,
Yet trappers pay no heed,
To such as these there's no disgrace
To see this creature bleed...
Endangered creatures here and there,
Pot luck each day to live,
But much less hope if we don't care,
A second chance to give...

Denis Martindale.

Vegan Shepherds Pie

Wind Is Anywhere

The wind, it moves in wondrous ways.

Through the tree branches it blows and it sways.
It takes all the leaves and flies them so high.
Then briefly it lets go and they fall from the sky.

Its strength is so varied, from timid to strong.
The length of the blowing can be short or long.
Sometimes it tickles the tip of your nose.
Sometimes sends shivers to the tips of your toes.

It can bring some surprises with each passing day.
The wind will surprise you in many ways.
The sweet sound of whistling, the roar of a storm,
It can bring you some happiness and also bring harm.

The next time you see a bag blow down the street,
The next time you feel the wind at your feet,
Remember its power, its beauty, and grace,
For the wind can be anywhere, it can be any place.

By Dee McDonald
Art Gonzalo Kenny

Unicorn

Moonlight; just enough to illuminate the silhouettes creating the forest -
just enough to help the sky glow; a black ocean freckled with stars, so modest.
With tiny chimes in the distant wind of the flickering trees
signalling the beat of pure white galloping hooves heard over the silent breeze.
A myth? Perhaps. Or, more believably, the strength of the woodland?
She casts a playful spell upon us all with her charm easily, as if planned.
Wild and free, full of purity and innocence; she brings excitement
and is a reminder to never grow up but stay full of enchantment.

By Shannon Perry
Art by Rebecca Guay

Rose -Lynn

Far within the forest deep,

where Pixies play and the Willows weep.
There lies a pond with lilies pink,
that within the night, the stars do wink.

Those that the pond loves and feels,
has respect for the Magi ways, will reveal,
to the one who gently sips,
the wish it will grant from whispered lips.

Not far from there, within a glen,
resides a lovely lass named Rose-Lynn.
With hair the color of brandied wine,
adorned with Hiacynths entwined.

A fey woman-child, our Rose-Lynn be,
who walks between dreams and reality.
Born to the woodland Fairy folk one night,
from a Star Flower in the moonbeams sight.

Raised on honey and Humming Bird eggs,
sprinkled with stardust and nutmeg.
Her skin as pale and smooth as Thistle milk,
she wears a dress spun from soft spiders silk.

In the forest she spends her days,
her laughter like bells, while she plays.
Though she loves the life she's given,
it is the wind in her hair, to which she is driven.

She watches the birds while they fly,
as they dip and weave, she gives a soft sigh.
As she watches she wishes with all her might,
that she could join them in their flight.

One day she chanced to find the cool pond,
that called to her to look upon,
its surface that reflected the world around.
Rose-Lynn curled herself, next to it, on the ground.

Rose-Lynn heard her name sweetly spoken,
as though a lover, offering a token.
It bade of her to gently sip,
and whisper softly, her fondest wish.

No sooner had she sipped and whispered thus,
the ponds surface was rippled in a wind gust.
Upon the surface settling once again,
there was a new reflection of Rose-Lynn.

There from her shoulders were wings, snow white.
That would enable, Rose-Lynn her flight.
The voice told Rose-Lynn, the wings would be hers,
all she need do was to whisper one word.

Rose-Lynn stared at her reflection,
at the wings pure perfection.
She didn't need to take time to guess,
with a smile, Rose-Lynn, whispered "yes".

Paula Swanson
Art by GingerKellyStudio on DeviantArt