beggar on the church steps, of Kuttenberg
“I sit by Saint James hoping for a crust. I keep my head down and stay near my brother.”
Things Stinky Thomas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the second Tuesday of May, at Prime
I dropped the little wooden bird near the baker's wall. I have looked in every filthy gutter for three days. It was all I had left of my mother's hands. If anyone finds it, it is worth nothing to you, I beg you to give it back.
Nota scribaeHe wrung his hands the entire time and wept openly. A very tedious morning.
Easter Sunday, at Vespers
The priests gave out alms for the blessed day, but Sniffling Fritz shouted about his marching days so loud I lost my place in the crush. Claus got us half a loaf though, praise be. We ate it in the sun.
I was in the levy! I earned my bread with blood, you whimpering little pup.
I am sorry, Fritz. I did not mean to offend. Please do not hit me.
the Thursday after Palm Sunday, at None
Claus is so angry lately. He snapped at me just for asking to move out of the wind. The cold must be getting to his bones, or the hunger. I am so afraid he will not wake up one morning and I will be left here alone.
The cobbles ruin a man's back, lad. You will learn that when you have my gray hairs.
Nota scribaeThe brother in question was asleep on the cobbles not three paces away.
Saint Gregory's day, at Terce
I saw our father William by the lower square today. He did not look at us, just shuffled past the stalls. God keep him, I suppose, but I am glad Claus is the one who looks after me now.
I have my own mouth to feed. Keep to your own side of the church, boy.
Candlemas, at dawn
It is bitter cold. It has been three winters since the flux took our mother Marushka. I pray she pleads for us in heaven with the saints. I close my eyes and try to remember her voice singing.
Hush about her. I told you never to speak of it. It does no good.
Nota scribaeDictated shivering, with his sleeves pulled over his hands.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Stop blubbering over a piece of firewood. It won't fill our bellies.
I think I saw a rat carrying something woody near the drain. Too late now, lad.