Sorry Lance confused you there with William for a moment but I reserve judgement on Lance at this point in Tommy's tale. Life below stairs brings its own tensions and tests of loyalty. And Tommy's induction into service is proving to be a fascinating journey. Can't wait to find out what
'bad egg' William is about to get up to and I hope no prawns were harmed in the writing of this part of Tommy's diary.
Philip Larkin said that the 60s didn't start until 1963 but Tommy's Upstair's Downstairs life is straight out of the 1950s or rather the 1930s. Lance is shaping up nicely but I hope to see some
really bad behaviour from Lance before long and Tommy's long restrained explosive response. Given what happened to Larry, it's clear that Tommy, like Bruce Lee, has fists of fury when provoked. 'Three Gulls' - is that Chekovian code? 'Three Sisters' meet 'The Seagull'? = 'Three Gulls' Loads of conflict potential looming as Upstairs Downstairs meets Class War. (OST 'Matthew & Son' by Cat Stevens; 'I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman' by Whistling Jack Smith and 'Don't Sleep In The Subway by Petula Clark)
Not having been around for Downstairs life in 30s, I saw that where it had survived into the 60s it really hadn't changed much. Not that much remained by my time. Hence, I worked for the only footman agency in London (far as I know). When away serving at weekend house parties, I entered atmospheres that were near enough pre-war – butlers who very much knew their place and footmen who papered his room with cutouts of the royal family from society mags (well, one did!). All a far cry from squats, dope and Carnaby St. And yet, in the present day we've come full-circle!
By Lance I see you meant William, and it does set me thinking about Lance's darker side... Love your music soundtrack comments, too!
Apologies, Ron. I meant to suggest that you rose high over your health issues and although what I actually said was an attempt at irony/wit, it turned out flippant.
I also mention how much I enjoyed your interweaving the creation of a poem alongside moments of everyday life. Whether with words, music, paint, or dance, I imagine the instinctive process is much the same.
Sorry Lance confused you there with William for a moment but I reserve judgement on Lance at this point in Tommy's tale. Life below stairs brings its own tensions and tests of loyalty. And Tommy's induction into service is proving to be a fascinating journey. Can't wait to find out what
'bad egg' William is about to get up to and I hope no prawns were harmed in the writing of this part of Tommy's diary.
Bad egg William is not without his models. There was a certain footman at the agency on whom I can draw for inspiration. Nearly 60 years later, even!
Prawns can feel safe, for the next few weeks at least.
Philip Larkin said that the 60s didn't start until 1963 but Tommy's Upstair's Downstairs life is straight out of the 1950s or rather the 1930s. Lance is shaping up nicely but I hope to see some
really bad behaviour from Lance before long and Tommy's long restrained explosive response. Given what happened to Larry, it's clear that Tommy, like Bruce Lee, has fists of fury when provoked. 'Three Gulls' - is that Chekovian code? 'Three Sisters' meet 'The Seagull'? = 'Three Gulls' Loads of conflict potential looming as Upstairs Downstairs meets Class War. (OST 'Matthew & Son' by Cat Stevens; 'I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman' by Whistling Jack Smith and 'Don't Sleep In The Subway by Petula Clark)
Not having been around for Downstairs life in 30s, I saw that where it had survived into the 60s it really hadn't changed much. Not that much remained by my time. Hence, I worked for the only footman agency in London (far as I know). When away serving at weekend house parties, I entered atmospheres that were near enough pre-war – butlers who very much knew their place and footmen who papered his room with cutouts of the royal family from society mags (well, one did!). All a far cry from squats, dope and Carnaby St. And yet, in the present day we've come full-circle!
By Lance I see you meant William, and it does set me thinking about Lance's darker side... Love your music soundtrack comments, too!
Oooooooops, Catalyst !
Your endless illnesses seem to have become a catylist, (don't get too well too quickly).
I am enjoying the hovering ever-present, present tense . . . . the signature of youth.
"Like my dreams, my poems know so much more than me". . . . Beautiful; and my favourite line so far. Anthony,
You can keep RSV, inspiring or not. It has long outstayed the welcome it didn't get! I could really do with some of Tommy's energy right now.
Really pleased you like T's remark re dreams and poems. Possible grain of truth somewhere in there! For me, anyway.
Apologies, Ron. I meant to suggest that you rose high over your health issues and although what I actually said was an attempt at irony/wit, it turned out flippant.
I also mention how much I enjoyed your interweaving the creation of a poem alongside moments of everyday life. Whether with words, music, paint, or dance, I imagine the instinctive process is much the same.
Did the prawns go tits up?🤣