“Richard Landing at Milford Haven (After Shakespeare)” is a painting by Richard Hamilton, displayed at the John Soanes Museum in London. In 1399, Richard II landed at Milford Haven from Ireland, shortly before his surrender to Henry of Lancaster, afterwards Henry IV.
Your faith’s misplaced. I here disown
those expectations you have grown
that tried to make me more than man.
I cannot be but what I am.
I bear your crown. I am alone.
To contextualise this essay, you need to listen to the following (20 minute) radio documentary.
In So Many Words, by Teresa Goff
This documentary is about Teresa’s father, Steve. Steve lives with aphasia after suffering a stroke, and aphasia – as you will have deduced – is a neurological disorder that hinders the brain’s capacity to use and form language.
This essay starts with this documentary to help you consider what it means to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
It may not surprise you to hear that I don’t particularly like Valentine’s Day. Continue reading
On the Double Double 