I have been told that men are bad at taking hints. I have been present where we have discussed this sort of thing, and one school of thought points out that a hint is not an instruction. It is an intimation, a suggestion, and is always vague. The members of this school pointed out that … More The travelling salesman’s conundrum.
I wonder at what stage even a poet realises it is time to be sensible? When does adulthood creep over us? It was not long ago, I was in northern Partann. This wasn’t one of my usual mad escapades, slipping out of the city to avoid creditors or those who thought I’d gratuitously insulted them. … More Islands across the sky
Over the years I’ve travelled more widely than many of my fellow citizens of Port Naain. Some of this is perhaps due to my romantic nature, my love of the new vista, new people, new customs. Rather more of it is probably due to the cantankerous nature of some of my fellows. Off the cuff, … More All the time in the world
The front of the Shrine of Aea in her Aspect as the Personification of Tempered Enthusiasm is so modest it’s almost self-effacing. It refuses to dominate Exegesis Square. To be fair it’s not the most elegant facade. We haven’t got a portico, never mind an entrance pylon. There again, Maljie has always extolled ‘clean lines’ … More Black Gold
Flower arranging is one of the fine arts. Wise ladies who are sagacious enough to number themselves among my patrons insist on this fact and who am I to gainsay them? And of course the fine arts are important and standards must be maintained. Indeed under almost no pressure I will agree that it is … More Who arranges the flowers?
If I am strictly honest, Filbran Autichan is a difficult person to write about. There are ‘issues.’ A fair proportion of his exploits cannot be committed to paper because no respectable publication would print them. Indeed I have known scandal sheets turn away true tales of his exploits. On the other hand, even if the … More Only a short walk at dawn
It is many years since I last saw Eltan Door, Lord of the Golden Keep. It is strange, I only met him by accident. I was very young and had just started trying to support myself as a poet. When I look back at the things I did, the work I produced, I astound myself … More The long arm of the past
I was going to start this by saying that there are two types of librarians. Mind you, last time I said that we ended up with a brawl. Somebody immediately leapt up and shouted that there were are least four types, male, female, shy, and intimidating. Another listener told him he was an idiot. He … More Well it’s a plan
People do ask me how one becomes a temple warden. It is at times like this that I put on my most learned expression and hint that it involves not merely moral excellence but also deep theological insights and the achievement of a higher spiritual level of existence. In all candour this is not entirely … More A mountain to climb
Quiet into the night The winter solstice is a major festival, a coming together for festivity, gift giving, over-eating, and in some cases, drinking more than is entirely wise. So children give presents to their parents. Normally husband and wife give each other presents as working out who is the head of the household can … More Quiet into the night
