Obviously my services are much in demand. People, once they reach a certain level of intellectual and cultural refinement realise that nothing but the best will do. So I am used to being sought out. Admittedly it is more often by creditors and their like, but still, it does no harm to have folk asking … More Rain, roast and ladies of a certain age
It is at this point I wish to bring before you a good friend of mine, one Tamas Berfett. Tamas is a man of many parts, a successful merchant, a minor poet of modest competence willing to accept criticism, a husband and father of a brood of doubtless delightful children. He is also a … More A charitable gesture
I’m not sure whether I have ever mentioned Wilony Sneel when recounting these anecdotes concerning my past? Wilony deserves to be called the leading portrait painter of her generation, and she specialised almost entirely in paintings of other women. Because of her skill and reputation for excellence women flocked to be painted by her, but … More Hot water and syrup of figs
I know, memory plays tricks and the tales of an old man may no longer be recognisably connected with the deeds of his youth. Yet surely I am not yet that old! A book has been published, a story told. All in a volume slim enough to be a book of poetry, but what … More Not perhaps as I would have done it.
I suppose there is a danger I will be accused of becoming obsessed with the fact that artists are inadequately appreciated. So I felt that I should perhaps give an example of the opposite. It could be fifteen years back now; Sarl Onwater had gained the Sinecure supporting the literary arts. Those of my generation … More The essence of true humility
So you wish to make a living as a poet? Had enough of the daily grind? Feel that the fate which condemned you to a life of drudgery as a wage slave is undeserved? Do you yearn to follow your muse wherever that wanton mistress leads you? You too can live life on the edge … More How to make a living as a poet, part two.
I have been asked to write, but as usual the compensation lies almost entirely in the haltingly expressed gratitude of the reader. Apparently it is now expected that a poet should not merely create the work but should then proceed to promote it. Somehow this feels wrong. One does not wrestle with one’s muse merely … More Greetings from Tallis
Tallis Steelyard 