The Poison Pie Publishing House presents:

December 1, 2024
Darkness gave way to a silver moon. When the breeze flagged, Anaïs allowed the listless sail to propel them forward at a snail's pace. Though no great distance separated the two islands, Tenedos was much smaller than Lesbos and could be easily missed. As pleasant as this marine excursion was, she had no wish to glide endlessly beneath the stars; already she hoped to make haste and return to the village without delay. Anaïs did not sleep that night and was rewarded come dawn by a speck on the horizon. She woke Europe, who directed her to make for the western shore.

written while listening to:  XL - Surreal (Pohjola Records, PELPCD 14, 2002, Finland, cd, discogs.com)

December 2, 2024
Anaïs navigated the dinghy along the coast until Europe gasped and pointed at the burned out shell of the long-house located in a clearing surrounded by smaller charred husks. No sign of human presence did they observe. The site appeared as desolate as a graveyard. Naught but the keening cry of a buzzard greeted the two women as they moored upon the rocky shore. The wind had picked up and pushed strands of hair across Europe's face. The cold surf ran over her sandaled feet while she stared dumbly at the utter wreckage of the Cretan colony.

written while listening to:  Carla Casarano - Lumina (Tǔk Music, TUK021, 2017, Italy, cd, discogs.com)

December 3, 2024
A gruesome stench hung over the colony, alerting the two women to the grim discoveries yet to be made as they began their search of the ruins. In the three days since the battle, the bodies exposed to the sun and picked at by carrion feeders had started to putrefy. Anaïs pulled a fold of her peplos over her mouth and nose. It was still possible for Europe to recognize the faces of the men when she came upon them. They had been left where they fell. Ragged wounds from spear and sword gaped openly in the corpses.

written while listening to:  Anna Webber, Matt Mitchell & John Hollenbeck - simpletrio2000 (Intakt Records, Intakt CD 430, 2024, Switzerland, cd, discogs.com)

December 4, 2024
Having surveyed the premises, they came together at the far side of the colony. "I didn't see any women," Anaïs gently reported. "Nor did I," Europe agreed, "and not nearly as many men slain as lived here." Without a body, they could not bury Europe's sister and thus Anaïs felt uncomfortable suggesting that they return to Lesbos, though she had no desire to linger among the dead. She stood silently as her friend processed their findings. Europe turned to face the tree line. "Perhaps they saw the ship coming and fled into the forest. Some men chose to stay behind to secure the others' flight."

written while listening to:  Derek Bailey & Gregg Bendian - Banter (OODiscs, OO20, 1995, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 5, 2024
Anaïs deemed it a fool's hope to think that any had escaped what she had heard the Aeolian sailors describe as a massacre. They might have piled the missing bodies in the long-house before setting it afire, reducing bone to ash. Even if some Cretans had survived, they likely had been seized and were presently on their way to Thessaly in the hold of the other ship. Still, she had thought it a lost cause to come to Tenedos in the first place, so she held her tongue. She remained bound to Europe reaching her own conclusions.

written while listening to:  Keiji Haino - An Unmistakably Mistaken Subject Now In Use (Superpang, SP77, 2021, Italy, digital file, discogs.com)

December 6, 2024
The two women set off into the forest, searching for survivors. What tracking skills Anaïs possessed allowed her to discern clear signs of passage, but whether the tracks belonged to fleeing refugees or workers harvesting lumber was beyond her ability to decipher. Europe paused at the spot where she had first met the Hittite scout. A new thought dawned upon her. "Perhaps, they sought safety in the Hittite village." Like any Greek, Anaïs viewed the Hittites with suspicion. It was common lore that they used their talents with iron to create weapons, wielded to dire effect on the battlefield.

written while listening to:  Art Ensemble of Chicago with Fontella Bass - untitled (America Records, 30 AM 6117, 1971, France, lp, discogs.com)

December 7, 2024
The best way forward seemed muddled for there was much the pair did not know. Europe suggested that they cross the island to spy upon the Hittite village, as she had previously done with success. Anaïs pointed out that they had come to bury her sister. What Europe now proposed was something entirely different, and carried far greater risk. "You could wait for me at the boat," Europe said tentatively, for she knew the response her words would elicit. Predictably, Anaïs scoffed at the remark. "I didn't come here to stand aside and watch you run headlong into trouble."

written while listening to:  Joëlle Léandre & Lauren Newton - Great Star Theater, San Francisco (Other Minds, OM 1041-2, 2024, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 8, 2024
The two women briefly debated whether to cross the island on foot or take the dinghy along the coast. Anaïs wanted the boat near at hand while Europe countered, "What if my sister is hiding in the woods?" Anaïs felt powerless to argue against one whose conviction directed their entire endeavor. They ascended the ridge from which the surrounding hazy, blue waters could be seen in all directions. While the summit provided a commanding view, Anaïs desired clarity of another kind. "How is it that you have taken this route before?"

written while listening to:  Paul Dunmall, Matthew Shipp, Joe Morris & Gerald Cleaver - The Bright Awakening (RogueArt, ROG-0103, 2021, France, cd, discogs.com)

December 9, 2024
A sudden fear gripped Europe that they stood too conspicuously on the open ridge. She led them in a descent down the far side, back into the woods. Beneath boughs laden with pine needles, she confided to Anaïs, "Because of my talent with language, I served as a translator for a peace delegation from the colony. In the Hittite village, their chieftain took a liking to me, demanding me as part of a tribute in order for our settlement to remain unmolested. It was only the presence of my sister's husband that prevented me from being surrendered on the spot."

written while listening to:  Tamio Shiraishi - Moon (Relative Pitch Records, RPR1148, 2022, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 10, 2024
"I refused to submit to the role of a victim, sacrificed for the greater good a second time," Europe recounted. "The night before my appointed fate, I stole a boat and fled to Lesbos." Anaïs stood beside her friend, surrounded by old trees, suffused in the aroma rising from the mat of detritus covering the forest floor. The words that echoed in her ears were "a second time". She accepted that the heart of Europe's struggle remained unsaid. "I will follow you," she said, "to find your sister, even if it leads us both to bondage or, better yet, death."

written while listening to:  David Virelles - Igbó Alákọrin (The Singer's Grove) (Pi Recordings, PI78, 2018, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 11, 2024
Europe brought Anaïs to the bluff overlooking the Hittite village. The sun had not yet set and the song of a foreign language rose from the streets. The two women crouched behind bushes for cover, scanning the scene for signs of the Cretan colonists. Startled by sounds emanating from deeper in the woods, Europe retreated to the cave in which she had earlier taken shelter. There they hid until twenty men, marching single-file, had passed. From behind, she observed a Hittite at the head and tail of the line and Cretans, each bearing heavy stones, in between.

written while listening to:  Fred Frith - Eye to Ear (Tzadik, TZ 7503, 1997, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 12, 2024
From the bluff, Europe and Anaïs watched the Cretan laborers deposit the stone at a construction site at the edge of the village. As a group, they were fed then ushered into a pen within a fence of bound wooden poles. A tarp covered part of the enclosure, under which the exhausted men lay down to rest. They were too far for Europe to determine if Kallias was among them. Anaïs pointed out a similar pen on the opposite side of the village. A guard stood at the gate. "I wager the women of the colony are held there."

written while listening to:  Don Pullen featuring Don Moye - Milano Strut (Black Saint, BSR 0028, 1979, Italy, lp, discogs.com)

December 13, 2024
Elated by the discovery that some colonists had survived, Europe wanted to immediately descend into the village, check the far pen for Berenike and the laborer's pen for Kallias. Dumb-founded, Anaïs gaped at her. "My sister won't leave without her husband," Europe explained. "We don't even know if she's alive. And what of the guards?" Anaïs asked, struggling to keep the volume of her voice low. Europe challenged her companion to come up with a better plan. The two women conspired in the cave to arrive at some strategy by which all their hopes might be achieved.

written while listening to:  Bobo Stenson Trio - Reflections (ECM Records, ECM 1516, 1996, Germany, cd, discogs.com)

December 14, 2024
Although Anaïs eschewed any delay in returning to Lesbos, she convinced Europe to pass a restless night in the cave. On the following morning, when the men returned to the forest, the two women followed the group until they arrived at a quarry. They watched as the Cretans worked with iron hammers and chisels to cut stone blocks from the wall. Europe could barely contain her excitement when she spotted Kallias among them. His grim expression was otherwise unreadable. Anaïs bade her wait for an opportune moment to approach him.

written while listening to:  Seven Rivers of Fire - Way of the Pilgrim (Ramble Records, RAM-127, 2023, Australia, digital files, discogs.com)

December 15, 2024
During a break, the men ate and drank then wandered off to relieve themselves in the surrounding woods. There, as Kallias finished urinating beside a tree, he saw an apparition of his lost sister-in-law Europe approach through the brush. With a finger to her lips, the ghost bade him remain silent. "Does Berenike live?" she whispered. "Yes," he confirmed, "so far as I know but they keep the women separate from us." He would have said more but Europe, fearing the emotion in his voice would draw unwanted attention, placed a hand over his mouth.

written while listening to:  The Mariachi Brass featuring Chet Baker - A Taste Of Tequila (World Pacific Records, WPS-21839, 1966, United States, lp, discogs.com)

December 16, 2024
"You must escape tonight," she said. "I can scale the walls of the pen easily enough," Kallias replied, "but I won't leave Berenike and we've nowhere to go. The colony is gone..." Europe interrupted him, "I've a boat that will take us to freedom in Lesbos. I'll meet you at third watch behind the pen. We'll collect Berenike and make for the shore." She ordered him then to return to work, urging him to act as if nothing had happened. Before leaving, he squeezed her shoulder, as if to convince himself that she was not a vision arising from his desperation.

written while listening to:  Sonny Rollins - The Complete Prestige Recordings, disc 2 (Prestige, 7PCD-4407-2, 1992 (rec. 1951 & 1953), United States, cdx7, discogs.com)

December 17, 2024
"This plan is terrible," Anaïs said to Europe, when they had moved a safe distance from the quarry. "It's no plan at all," Europe agreed; such was the life of a wanderer. The two friends embraced then reluctantly parted, for Anaïs left to retrieve the dinghy. She was to come to shore a short distance west of the Hittite village. Before she disappeared into the woods, Anaïs looked over her shoulder once to mouth a silent farewell. Soon Europe returned alone to the cave to wait anxiously for the fall of night.

written while listening to:  Miles Davis - Miles in the Sky (Columbia, CS 9628, 1968, United States, lp, discogs.com)

December 18, 2024
In the light of the setting sun, Europe heard the Cretans return from the quarry laden with stone. From her perch, she observed them gather in their pen. Hours passed; the guard in front of the women's enclosure changed at each watch. Come midnight, Europe scurried down the bluff. Keeping to shadow, she made her way to the rear of the pen in which Kallias and the other men were held. He had already climbed the fence. He greeted her with relief for, alone with his thoughts in the darkness, he had begun to suspect her earlier appearance had indeed been a hallucination.

written while listening to:  John Zorn - First Recordings 1973 (Tzadik, TZ 7304, 1995 (rec. 1973 & 1974), United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 19, 2024
She placed Anaïs' knife in his hand and whispered, "Only if you need it." Her own dagger she kept in her belt. They retreated to the woods and crept under cover of the surrounding trees to the far enclosure. Kallias leapt and heaved himself over the wooden fence, leaving Europe to wait outside. He tiptoed through the women, scattered on mats, until he found Berenike. Although his wife was thrilled to see him, she feared his rash action. Like the other women who witnessed his arrival, she supposed that he was spurred on by reckless, amorous ardor.

written while listening to:  Tony Conrad - Early Minimalism Volume One, disc 4 (Table of the Elements, As 33, 1997, United States, cdx4, discogs.com)

December 20, 2024
As Kallias led his wife toward the rear of the compound to lift her over the fence, the other women glared at Berenike, fearing punishment if she were caught. Still, none imagined the truth of his scheme nor did any raise an alarm to alert the guard. Berenike hesitated but her husband bade her obey him in an urgent whisper. She landed with a jar. Waiting for Kallias to join her, she was astounded to find her sister emerge from the shadows. They had to be pried apart, for each woman did not wish to let the other go.

written while listening to:  Joseph Jarman & Marilyn Crispell - Connecting Spirits (Music & Arts, CD-964, 1996, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 21, 2024
Kallias and Berenike followed Europe as she hurriedly crossed the narrow margin into the surrounding woods. There they waited for a moment to see if the sounds of Berenike's escape had attracted the attention of the guard. Indeed, a Hittite bearing a torch rounded the corner. He appeared to be circling the enclosure. He paused to scan the tree line where the trio hid but detected only the ordinary calls of nocturnal birds and insects. His attention lingered much too long for the comfort of the fugitives but he eventually continued his patrol.

written while listening to:  Anthony Braxton & Evan Parker - Duo (London) 1993 (Leo Records, CD LR 193, 1993, United Kingdom, cd, discogs.com)

December 22, 2024
"We make for the shore then head west," Europe whispered to Kallias. She expected him to have the best idea of the safest route. They followed the contour along the base of the bluff, which led them back behind the men's enclosure. From there it was a short span in the open toward the wharf. Beside it, the beach stretched invitingly beneath the moonlight. "We shall have to sprint for it," he told them. "Are you ready?" he asked his wife, with what struck Europe as overly solicitous concern. Berenike gripped his arms tightly and nodded.

written while listening to:  Keith Rowe & Toshimaru Nakamura - untitled (Erstwhile Records, ErstLive 008, 2009, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 23, 2024
They began to run in the moonlight toward the shore. Before them, several Hittite boats bobbed to the left, separated from the open beach by a row of fishermen's huts. Fully expecting to follow the coast until she found Anaïs waiting for them, Europe veered to the right. Halfway to the water, Kallias was struck by a different idea. Why trust their fates to a stranger? They would not have a better chance to steal one of the boats already before them. Seeing the two diverge, Berenike began to panic.

written while listening to:  Mahanyawa - untitled (Contra-Disc, Contra-002, 2015, Japan, cd, discogs.com)

December 24, 2024
Europe heard Berenike gasp behind her. Turning her head, she saw Kallias angling for the boats. Any indignation at his disregard for her plan was subsumed by an overwhelming dread in her stomach, as she foresaw his mad dash leading to ruin. In the moment, she felt a sharp rending of her heart, for she had to choose between Berenike, who raced after her husband, and Anaïs, who waited unseen down the coast. There was no time to tarry. As she ran after Kallias, she hoped Anaïs would have the sense to return to Lesbos alone.

written while listening to:  Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane - untitled (New Jazz, NJ 8276, 1963, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 25, 2024
Unbeknownst to Kallias, the Hittites, having recently lost one boat and wary that the refugees might seek to flee by water, had set a sentry on the wharf. The trio entered a dark alley between two huts and emerged on the dock to come face to face with a soldier. Torch in one hand, his gaze fell across the Greek and the two women behind him. He immediately surmised their intent to escape. As he reached for the axe at his belt, the guard opened his mouth to rouse the men of the village. Europe's heart sank.

written while listening to:  Company - Roulette, tracks 1-3 (self-released, no catalog #, 2021 (rec. 1982), United States, digital files, discogs.com)

December 26, 2024
Before a sound could leave his throat, the guard lurched forward and his eyes rolled up. He slumped to the ground, blood pouring from the back of his crushed skull. Behind him stood a one-armed woman bearing a crimson-coated iron anchor. She set the makeshift weapon down gently and motioned the three to follow her away from the wharf. None dared disobey her, though Kallias paused to throw the slain guard over his shoulder. The trail of blood was washed away as soon as they reached the surf.

written while listening to:  Duke Ellington - The Far East Suite (RCA Victor, LSP-3782, 1967, United States, lp, discogs.com)

December 27, 2024
A short distance down the beach, they came upon the dinghy. It could barely accommodate four. Europe and Berenike lay down in the middle, beneath the sail. Kallias helped push the boat into the water, then climbed into the bow still towing the body behind him. Anaïs resumed her position in the stern and guided them out to sea. The tide was going out and soon Kallias let the corpse drift away. He hoped that the unexplained absence of a guard and two prisoners would present a mystery that dulled the retaliation of the Hittites on those left behind.

written while listening to:  Roland Kirk - Gifts & Messages (Mercury, SR-60939, 1964, United States, lp, discogs.com)

December 28, 2024
The quartet spent the night on the water. Berenike huddled beside Europe. The stoic expression on their helmsman's face was unreadable; she would not consider them free from danger until she stood again on Lesbos. Periodically, she glanced over her shoulder for signs of a pursuit that never materialized. As for Europe, she had not imagined that she could be so happy stuck on an uncomfortable and cramped boat with little food or water. She whispered her last denial in Berenike's ear. "I do not believe," she said, "that we were made to suffer all our days."

written while listening to:  Mike Pride - Drummer's Corpse (AUM Fidelity, AUM078, 2013, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 29, 2024
They could not deposit Berenike and Kallias in Antissa, though the pair would have been welcomed, for the captured ship remained moored in port. The situation presented no dilemma to Anaïs, who knew every hamlet on the island, including one with a meager population and an empty cottage, where a young couple, willing to contribute to the welfare of the community, would be welcomed. Within a day of making landfall, such introductions were made and the arrangements set. She watched Europe bid Berenike farewell. She dismissed their tears, saying, "We trade here often. We'll be back ere the next full moon."

written while listening to:  Marc Ribot Trio - Live at the Village Vanguard (Pi Recordings, PI53, 2014, United States, cd, discogs.com)

December 30, 2024
Europe and Anaïs set off along the road together. They first paid a quick visit to Antissa, where the shopkeeper owed them for the blankets. They then agreed to return to the village. "What will we tell them?" Europe asked her companion. With the wide blue sky bearing witness, Anaïs replied, "There is nothing to tell but the truth." The fearlessness with which these words were uttered cheered Europe to no end. She was so taken with Anaïs that she set down her pack on the spot and squeezed her tight. "We're only a couple days late." she said.

written while listening to:  Søren Kjærgaard, Ben Street & Andrew Cyrille - Open Opus (ILK Music, ILK 166CD, 2010, Denmark, cd, discogs.com)

December 31, 2024
Our year ends, Gentle Reader, but for these two travelers the future beckons. On their way, they seek shade beneath a Kermes oak for they are in no hurry to face the judgment of the elders. They feel only a loss for the village should they be turned away, such is the buoyancy of their fellowship. The tall woman shares a secret—her sister is with child. "I'll be an aunt!" Perched above them, a tawny pipit chirps her own transitory secret, which the one-armed woman deciphers and wordlessly relays to her friend: relish the good in the moment; let everything else take care of itself.

written while listening to:  Harry Partch - The Harry Partch Collection Volume 4 (Composers Recordings Inc., CD 754, 1997 (rec. 1957), United States, cd, discogs.com)