"The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realised in their free lives -- and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!" John Burroughs (1837 - 1921), Birds and Poets, 1887
The only way to deal with a seemingly inequitable world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. I adamantly refuse to be caged by this illness that has tried to capture me, so I have started my very own rebellion!
As this personal rebellion gathers momentum, I shall close this blog for a little while in order to undergo the restoration, conservation and repairs which are required to (hopefully) eradicate this horrid scary monster. It is true isn’t it, that birds sing after a storm so there is no earthly reason why people shouldn’t feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? That is what I’m determined to do.
Sizobonana, kwaheri, zbogom, auf wiedersehen, ciao, salám, na razie, au revoir and totsiens my lovely friends…..for now.
**Postscript: The 'Friendship' and 'Fish Trio' lino cuts I promised to send to those who wanted them are slowly being pulled, matted and mailed. Forgive delays, please - there have been so many unwelcome interruptions. If you've forgotten to send me your snail mail address and want one of the prints, please drop me an email**