Of Nemesis, Tisiphone and Hell Fire

I was doing a bit of spring cleaning in my little library when I found my little book of mindless writings. Long before I had the luxury of a personal computer or even a laptop, I wrote in note pads, scrap of papers and even tissues. And later re-write them in my little book. I still prefer the good ol' way. Pen and paper.

Here's something from my college days. I remember it was during Ms Garnette's literature session. She recited this one. It wasn't a big group. In fact by the end of our term, a handful of us were left. But I enjoyed every minute of it. If there was one thing I can fondly recall about 'Ms G', it was how she referred to everyone affectionately as 'luv'. Yes, I know. All good English women say this but she said it with such candour and...affection. And of course her passion for literature. I don't know if she's still at the uni or if she is still alive. She never told us her age and nobody did ask. Someone said she was 60 years old. But she never looked her age. I miss the old lady.

"Begone!!!

Ye screams of silence, harbingers of pain!!!

Cloaked in isolation, you mock in harsh disdain...

My soul is torn asunder, I curse you, God of Hell!!!

As you pierced my tortured soul, what horrors I befell.

You spoke of quiet solitude, to tempt me to your lair...

Then lanced me in my trouble heart, to depths of dark despair...

Nemesis, I beg of thee...rise up in righteous ire...

Protect me from Tisiphone, from Hell's eternal fire...

With all my voice I scream to you, protect me from the night...

Alas, in forlorn desperation, I journey to the light...

Banished to minds Coventry, I heed the demon's call...

Beckoned by the silent screams...

I enter Dante's Hall."

(24 March 1993, Anglia Polytechnic University, Chelmsford)