Because he saw …

Featured Poem

Because He Saw My Notebook is, in part about art or being an artist.  In the poem an old chap in a pub talks about life and art, without fully making it explicit.  The poet is reminded of something from childhood that serves as a metaphor for a better way of living.  The poet leaves the reader to make the connection between the two poem parts; this may be a strength or a weakness.  But, in writing, I do like to leave some work for the reader to do; to make things totally explicit seems to me patronising.

Why choose this poem this month?  Because I am totally conflicted by my reaction to activists for a number of causes attacking art works.  I have long had concerns about the number of houses (for instance) which could be built and made available at social prices or rents, for the value of an Old Master.  But as for the value of attacking the works (and sure as eggs are eggs, one will be damaged eventually) I think I come down on the side of the actions having little value.  Remember the Taliban and ISIS destroying ancient works?  Behind the alter in Worcester Cathedral there is an ancient wall painting whitewashed out by Cromwell’s army.  Actually, go and see it if you are nearby, Cromwell’s army only got halfway through doing it!

I suppose, although I do not agree with the inflated monetisation of artwork, I do not agree with art’s destruction by people who have a different set of beliefs.   

Reading

I am re-reading Mantell’s Wolf Hall; long, detailed, and totally fabulous.

Writing

Despite my best efforts, and against my principles, writing has been a bit squeezed this month.  However, at colleagues’ suggestions I am working on the possibility of translating a large, connected collection of poems into a drama work.  I have also completed, with difficulty and effort (who says it should be easy?) two poems I am quite pleased with.  These are ICity River and Invisible Birds.

Good luck with your own writing.