No.

I know it is counterintuitive but I read it somewhere, possibly in an Oxford University Press book about typesetting mathematics. I saw it in a book sale of surplus books that had been withdrawn from an academic library so i bought it.

Is it basically the same as hyphenating a word over two lines in text?

I suppose that in large enough type in narrow enough columns the very long word in that Mary Poppins song might need to be hyphenated over three lines.

William

From 23 June 1963

A contestant from England.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llkn_pE49XU&t=1240s

William

Please write an original story based on the following haiku.
Art show idea
Seemingly stuck on the ground
Will it one day soar?

The Grounded Sparrow
In a quiet corner of the art gallery, there hung an unassuming canvas. Its colors were muted, its lines unremarkable. Visitors passed by without a second glance, drawn instead to the vibrant landscapes and abstract masterpieces that adorned the walls.

But the artist, a reclusive soul named Elara, knew the truth hidden within that unremarkable painting. She had poured her heart into it, layering emotions like delicate brushstrokes. The canvas depicted a small bird, wings outstretched, seemingly stuck on the ground. Its feathers were a blend of earthy browns and grays, and its eyes held a quiet longing.

Elara had titled her creation “The Grounded Sparrow.” It was her secret hope, her silent prayer. For she, too, felt stuck—trapped by doubts, fears, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. The art show was her chance to reveal her soul, to let her vulnerability soar.

As the opening night approached, Elara stood before her painting, her heart fluttering like the wings of the sparrow. She wondered if anyone would notice, if they would see beyond the ordinary and glimpse the hidden magic. But the guests flowed past, sipping wine and discussing other works. The Grounded Sparrow remained unnoticed.

Then, one evening, a young girl wandered into the gallery. Her eyes widened as they fell upon Elara’s creation. She stepped closer, her breath catching. “It’s like the bird is waiting,” she whispered. “Waiting for something more.”

Elara smiled, her heart swelling. “Yes,” she said. “Waiting to soar.”

The girl’s gaze lingered, and Elara sensed a kindred spirit. “Do you think it will?” the girl asked.

Elara hesitated, then nodded. “One day,” she replied. “When the time is right.”

From that moment, the Grounded Sparrow became a sensation. People flocked to see it, drawn by its quiet power. They saw their own struggles reflected in its delicate form—the dreams deferred, the fears that held them back. And they wondered, just as Elara did, if someday they, too, would find their wings.

As the weeks passed, the gallery buzzed with speculation. Some believed the sparrow would magically take flight during the full moon. Others thought it needed a special song, whispered in the dead of night. Elara listened to their theories, her heart both heavy and hopeful.

Then, one stormy evening, as rain pattered against the gallery windows, Elara stood before her painting. The girl who had first noticed the sparrow appeared at her side. She held a tiny paper bird, its wings folded neatly.

“Maybe,” the girl said, “it needs a companion.”

Elara blinked back tears. “A companion?”

The girl nodded. “To remind it that it’s not alone. That even when we’re stuck, we can still find solace in each other.”

Together, they placed the paper bird next to the canvas. And in that quiet moment, something shifted. The Grounded Sparrow seemed to tremble, its colors deepening. Elara held her breath, waiting.

And then, as lightning split the sky, the sparrow lifted from the canvas. Its wings unfolded, feathers catching the gallery lights. It soared, a burst of hope and possibility, leaving behind the muted colors of doubt.

The guests gasped, their eyes wide. Elara watched, tears streaming down her cheeks. The girl squeezed her hand. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

And so, the Grounded Sparrow took flight—not just in the gallery, but in the hearts of those who had seen it. Elara knew then that her art had served its purpose. It had reminded them all that even when stuck, even when seemingly grounded, they could still find a way to soar.

And perhaps, just perhaps, Elara thought, she could find her own wings, too.

Note: The story is a work of fiction inspired by the haiku provided. [palette and brush][sparkles][flying dove]

I have today written and published Chapter 56.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ngo/l … er_056.pdf

21.91 kilobytes

William

Why do you refuse to paint a picture of Geoffrey Chaucer?

I’m here to assist with a wide range of requests, but creating visual art of real historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer is not within my capabilities. However, I can provide information about him, discuss his works, or even help you create a written piece inspired by his style. If there’s anything else you’d like to know or do related to Geoffrey Chaucer, feel free to ask!

Wow! Thank you.

William