Merrylegs, the diminutive, doting dog in Dickens’ Hard Times, is one of those characters who, though small in stature, lingers in the mind like a stubborn piece of fluff on a dark coat. Now, I confess, when I first read the novel, I didn’t pay Merrylegs much attention. After all, when set against the likes of … Continue reading Merrylegs
Tag: love
Solveig’s Song, from Peer Gynt: A Love Letter Wrapped in an Emotional Ambush
This week, I’ve been indulging in a bit of painting - not the refined strokes of a portrait, mind you, but rather the far more prosaic task of doors and skirting boards! And let me tell you, when I dabble in a spot of DIY (which I am unashamedly dreadful at), I find it essential … Continue reading Solveig’s Song, from Peer Gynt: A Love Letter Wrapped in an Emotional Ambush
My Cherished Father
Dad with Nobby - England 1966 World Cup winner In recent nights, I have found myself devoid of the energy or inclination to edit or write. On Friday evening, around 7:30 pm, I held my cherished father as he slipped away. My heart is heavy with sorrow. Though my father had been afflicted with a … Continue reading My Cherished Father
Marriage, Mischief, and Medieval Mayhem: The Wit and Wisdom of the Wife of Bath
If there's one thing Geoffrey Chaucer wanted us to know from The Canterbury Tales, it's that the 14th century was rife with characters who were just as colourful, complex, and questionable as the ones we know today. Among the motley crew of pilgrims, none stand out quite like the Wife of Bath, a woman who … Continue reading Marriage, Mischief, and Medieval Mayhem: The Wit and Wisdom of the Wife of Bath
‘Tis Better To Have Loved…
I've delved into the works of Tennyson, and each time, I'm reminded of that weary adage people parrot without recognising its origin. It's worth noting that Tennyson penned the lines I refer to below in the throes of his own grief, and I can certainly respect the depth of emotion behind them. However, there is … Continue reading ‘Tis Better To Have Loved…