Joshua David Ling sits down to celebrate the 250th episode of Poets At War, coinciding with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. In this heartfelt solo update, Joshua shows off a rare, vintage two-volume set of The Chronicles of Narnia—the exact American edition his father read to him as a child—and shares the joy of passing down The Horse and His Boy to the next generation of the Brood. He also gives a joyful family update on the upcoming arrival of his newest daughter, Jane!

But it’s not all show-and-tell. Joshua issues a serious, rallying challenge to the Brood: it’s time to stop complaining. Addressing the creative burnout, the "Eeyore" mindset, and the modern angst surrounding AI and global events, the General calls for a return to radical gratitude. Whether you're facing creative block or life's heavy burdens, it's time to get on your knees, thank God for both the good and the bad, and fall back into ranks with a jolly attitude. Plus, hear about Joshua's new van and his upcoming travel plans to Oklahoma!

Keep your heads down, grab your plotting boards, and keep your Bibles open! Join the Brood of writers and poets at war! Visit https://joshuadavidling.com/discord to join the community. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out!