Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson for September 26, 2021

They make pyromancy out to be it’s own class of magic unrelated to generic sorcery. But really, it just stems from an old means of fortune telling.

Marigold’s tail already looked like it was on fire. Now we know the difference.

Reminds me of the burning bush Moses came across; it didn’t turn to ash as it was the Lord speaking therefrom.

“First Fig” by Edna St. Vincent Millay. I love that little poem. Surprised to see it turn up in the comics! Millay’s one of my favorite poets—look up “Recuerdo” and “To Jesus on His Birthday.”

Lamont: “Pop, at your age you shouldn’t be trying to burn the candle at both ends!”

Fred: “At my age I’m gonna be burning the candle at both ends, in the middle, round the side and up the back!”

Tiger, Tiger burning bright in the forest of the night!

I get the strong impression that the third panel is the punchline, but Dana just decided at the last moment to add a fourth anyway.

Just don’t tell her about scented candles.

Groucho Marx: You can’t burn your candle at both ends.

Harpo produces a string from his pocket with a candle attached which is lighted at both ends.

Groucho: I was wrong. I knew there was something you couldn’t burn at both ends and I thought it was a candle.

Waxing poetic, are we?

Well who wouldn’t be? Lousy candles… Think they’re so big. “Look at ME! I light up the room!” Why don’t you leave the room? Ever hear of light bulbs? Not that they’re much better.

God, this comment is forced.

Okay, for my next birthday I want unicorns on my cake instead of candles!

Marigold can always arrange to do weddings, if the bride and her family don’t object.

Marigold is also jealous of Christmas trees:

https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/12/19

Is anyone else’s last panel really small?

Marigold’s basic idea: “Name something, anything. Okay, now understand this: I’m better than it, because UNICORN!”

mG looks seriously annoyed at that literature

You know, what I have in my memory is, “My candle burneth at both ends” for the rhythm, but according to the web “burns” is what E. S-V. M. wrote — oh well!