Writers paint pen portraits, May
The HandD writers’ group produced pen-portraits for discussion in May. It was surprisingly difficult. To begin with, should we choose or should it be someone imaginary? Paula said, very sensibly, as someone who writes for different publications, ‘It all depends what it’s for.’ Was it to introduce someone, to spread gossip, to praise them in a eulogy or obituary? Philippa commented that any portrait apart from an obit was just a cross section of a life; and only an author knew everything about a character because of course, that person was their creation.
Notwithstanding this proviso, Paula painted a portrait of the colourful leader of her West Gallery quire (yes, the name dates from the 18th century, before English spelling was dragooned into dictionaries). She coloured in her flaming red hair, outlined her musical biography, and added some vivid snapshots of the leader in action with fellow musicians. Tessa’s portrait was of the unique and astonishing Sister Celestine, whose childlike enthusiasm for her faith made her sing and skip and jump along the corridors of the Priory. Philippa’s picture was of a long-term friend, once a lapsed catholic, but returning to the comfort of the church in response to the slings and arrows of old age. John, who was flying himself that afternoon, mailed in a sketch of Frank, an old Spitfire pilot, unreconstructed ‘old boy’ and a great raconteur. Tim, as we are coming to expect, took the road less traveled by. He related waking one winter night at the age of four, and catching a glimpse between the banisters of an avuncular, white-bearded figure. And finding the present he desperately wanted next morning under the tree. Finally Gill, with great diffidence and concern not to be critical, told of a teacher, who despite being popular with his pupils, never managed to get on with his colleagues and who shut out their attempts to help him.
The discussion turned to teachers and others who had influenced us in life, and for the next assignment we decided to write about a person, a place, a book, an activity – something that had been major influence in our lives. The usual day for the group to meet follows hard on the HandD AGM this year, so it is suggested that we meet on the fourth Wednesday – June 26 – this month. Usual time 14.00, chez Philippa.