🎙 Podcast Episode Description  This short literary podcast features a reading of my poem Where Do I Begin to See the Start of You , written in memory of my father. Misunderstood throughout his life, he grew up in foster care, was later sent to borstal, and carried hidden struggles that today I recognise as signs of undiagnosed autism. The poem reflects on a boy who smiled through sorrow, masked his true self, and was judged harshly by a world that never understood him. Looking back now, with a modern understanding of autism and neurodiversity, I honour the beauty of his mind and the resilience of his spirit. This is both a personal elegy and a wider reminder: how many lives have been marked by silence, masks, and misunderstanding — when what was needed was acceptance, compassion, and pride. Where do I begin to see the start of you When did you become the person that I knew A boy in troubled times So sad behind the smiles Whatever did they do  to rob the soul of you? What l...

The Soldier by The Marchioness of Dorchester (circa 1625 during the The Anglo-French War ) A suitor bold and handsome once arrived Twas early in a day unspent A proud soldier on horseback, A burning wish to vent ‘In courtly dance I wield mine mighty dart’ Said he, appearing finely dress’d In polished armour His lance Colossal, For this quest confessed. ‘With quivering heart, I seek my lady fair, Her gaze, the target of my fervent plea’ Said he Such chivalric pursuit was indeed Beyond compare His lance, a beacon of…. Virility. ‘Yet, not in war, but passion's grand display, I wield mine Shaft, Erect, a symbol of desire To pierce the veils that shroud love's subtle play In earnest yearning To set your heart afire. Behold, mine love, this lance of passion true, A token bold, my heart laid bare for you. Would mine lady touch my lance Before I leave Tonight for France?’ ©2024 Sarnia de la Mare Happy Hippo with Crane Fly Watercolour by Tale Teller Club Books Greeting Card Fro...