#JaneAusten200

July 18, 2017

Dear Jane,

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one would be remiss if one did not pay tribute to you on this, the 200th anniversary of your passing. This day, whilst sorrowful, is one of great celebration around the world and I can't help but wonder what you would think of the accolades you are receiving two-hundred years after your untimely death. It is quite a marvel to behold Jane! Social Media (for your own sake, I shall not explain this institution as it can be quite frustrating at times) is aglow with praise of you! 

Photo Credit: Amanda Forker

This day is one of great importance as you have been such a constant friend and inspiration to me over the years, Jane. Your novels bring me hope, joy, understanding and just plain happiness. I must confess, however, that I had great hopes of travelling to England this summer in order to partake in the many celebrations occurring all over Hampshire in your honor, but sadly, the opportunity did not arise. As a result, I have experienced a horrid sensation called: FOMO. FOMO is an acronym, Jane, which stands for "Fear of Missing Out." I have this great anxiety that I am missing everything relating to your bicentennial and it makes me rather sad at times. That being said, though, I have forced myself to both take a breath and a step back for it is another truth universally acknowledged that  I can celebrate you no matter where I am as long as I have a novel in hand and my turquoise ring on. That is the beauty of your literary legacy, Jane, is it not? No matter who or where one is, your stories have the ability to touch lives and breath new life into each day. To some, these sentiments may seem overly dramatic, but what I say is none other than the truth. You, Miss Austen, are a gift that keeps on giving and you shall never be forgotten by your loyal Janeites.

Now, before I start weeping into my handkerchief, please allow me to honor you with an original poem of mine (as is my custom for momentous occasions such as this). You should know that I have set this to music and hope to share it as soon as may be!

Dear Jane

My favorite moment has come

As I write to you today

I'm lonely and weary 

And the slightest bit teary 

And wondering what you would say.

You'd say ladies must stand and be brave

And then you would tell me all's well,

You'd make me some tea

And I'd finally see

How foolish that I was to dwell.

My dearest Jane Austen

You've been there for me through and through

I write you again 

But as always it's true 

That I wish I had really known you.

Balancing life day to day

At times I have found it quite hard

But I read that novel 

And see Darcy grovel

Then finally let down his guard.

And I wonder how splendid it was

To write of dear Lizzy's great love

For Darcy and Lizzy

Were both in love's tizzy 

And I quietly sit in awe of,

My dearest Jane Austen,

You've been there for me through and through

I write you again 

But as always it's true 

That I wish I had really known you.

Photo Credit: Amanda Forker

Yours Faithfully,

Amanda