a’new cellar door

In the States, pop culture and modern literature teachers will say,

“The most beautiful phrase in American English is ‘Cellar Door’ “.

I disagree.

A most~loved family member just texted me this line in the casual context of our

family history:

“I died in the wool romantic and an idiot.”

Sent to me with no pretense of impressing; sent in utter, spur of the moment honesty.

Howl could this ever be topped?

Impeccable and to be aspired toward.

I end the prior sentence improperly, purposefully.

Deference.

Author: writtencasey

I am fascinated by the scientific endeavor and I read about or engage with those processes as much as possible. I am a compulsive reader and writer. With a background in anthropology and as an arm-chair/backyard scientist, I hope to improve my writing skills and learn about any areas of weakness or misunderstanding in my analytic skills. I am excited to share. Thank you for spending time here. Please reach out if you are so inclined. I'd be excited to hear from you.

8 thoughts on “a’new cellar door”

    1. Thanks for the time in mind, Jeff. There’s a thing called “phonaesthetics,” the study of beauty/pleasantness associated with the sounds of certain words or combo of words, independent of their meaning. Euphony vs cacophony, essentially. “Cellar door” is the most widely cited example of this starting in 1903 by Cyrus Hooper. Writers like J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, H.L. Mencken, Albert Tethune, et al used it.

      Its standard for euphony was popularized by a cult classic movie called Donnie Darko.

      Can’t think of a more fitting dive venue name! Especially the irony of knowing dive bars quite enjoy cacophony.

      Wonder if Neil Young ever played there. He famously used “cellar door” in the opening line of Needle and the Damage Done.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      4. Nah, not pathetic. Music is music. Regardless of the source, especially since Neil isn’t some struggling artist cutting his teeth to make ends meet.

        Like

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