(Informal Remarks on Gwotian Culture) There are no secrets In the House of Snow Only soft whispers. —An anonymous Gwotian poet, though this, and other poems are sometimes attributed to Málákáchná (Small Duck) of Standing River. In Gwotian lands poetry and poetic recitations figure prominently in social interaction. The example of poetry quoted above represents a standard syllable poem. All syllable poems are a single stanza in length, and commonly of three to five lines, each metered with the same number of syllables. Traditionalists may compose syllable poems in the “old fashioned” way, relying on depictions of various seasons. In the poem above, the poet has focused on the significance of winter, known colloquially in Gwot as “The House of Snow.” * Ornithology (noun): the disciplined study of birds, including their physiology, psychology, classifications, ecology and behavioral anatomy. Also, in some circles, the study of the Gwotian language; this is derived from the Gwotian assertion that the name of their common land, “Gwot” is inspired (and continually reiterated) by the call of a particular species of blackbird common to the Gwot Lands. —The Official Dictionary: Edition VIII, unabridged. * Mayfly (Baetis tricaudatus): an important figure in Gwotian folk culture, folktales, and literature. The adult mayfly, said to live for only one day, commonly declares, “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” This is taken, in Gwotian culture as a not-so-subtle declaration that Mayfly either carries a secret she will not tell, or is simply not inclined to answer one’s question. Similarly, “I’ll do it tomorrow” is taken as Mayfly’s outright unwillingness to do as she is asked. In Gwot folk culture, Mayfly, commonly female, often embodies “mystery” or “unwillingness.” Additionally, she represents urgency. Turtle: any reptile belonging to either of the two orders Chelonii or Testudines, characterized by a bony shell. Like the mayfly, turtles figure prominently in Gwotian social symbolism. In Gwot culture, Turtle, as a character, generally male, represents patience, wisdom, gentle kindness, and honesty. Individual turtles are also recognized as, and commonly called: He Who Teaches Small Children, This is a reinforcement of Turtle’s role in children’s literature as a scrupulous, moral character. * “As the turtle walks.” A common Gwotian idiomatic phrase of often appended to a declaration to take particular actions in the future. This idiomatic phrase, distinguishes a promise to do something “later” from common dismissal, “I’ll do it tomorrow” often taken as a “Mayfly promise” or any promise made for the sole purpose of appeasing someone while dismissing their concerns. This particular idiomatic phrase, when spoken, expresses the desire to be taken seriously. When heard, it is cherished as a token of respect. * * This is a full-sized image of the illustration for my short story, "Snow." For the full story that goes with this image, see the post before this one in my gallery. I'd originally intended this as a stand-alone image, but it lends itself to the story preceding this particular post and so a somewhat smaller, vaguely different version of it is posted there. This is the original. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting. There is more to this world, but I’ll tell you of it, later, as the turtle walks.