War is our backyard, famine our feast. Most fear the wind of our wings and even, in their hurt, pray for life. Only a few, a very few, truly pray for death. But we answer all their prayers with the same coin.
In Jane Yolen's "How to Fracture a Fairy Tale," the quote reflects on the stark reality of war and suffering. The phrase "War is our backyard, famine our feast" emphasizes how violence and hunger are commonplace experiences for some, suggesting a grim familiarity with devastation. It highlights the powerlessness many feel in the face of such harsh conditions, as they find themselves wishing for survival even amidst adversity. Moreover, the latter...