That's alright, Ron. Don't fret. We all make mistakes whether we like it or not. Here, we are concerned with a man of letters in the English language who should enjoy a very illustrious station, but I knew early in the budding friendship, he was not going to make it there where he belonged unless he had friends who were willing to promote his talent, critical sense and extraordinary energy, for the simple reason he was to some extent his own enemy.

As I had already remarked elsewhere, the breaks in his career came from the States: Spiller, Fiedler, Cleanth Brooks...and the Beat generation poets, etc.

But, most of all, because his "temperament" (which required the support and loyalty of unquestioning progeny) made him in a way quite "destitute" and vulnerable in later life.

As a result, I did what I could for him, but didn't count on his health giving way far too soon.

Not to worry. You have explained in your own way your own reasons for your misunderstanding. Many thanks on behalf of Eric Mottram.

As always, all the best. TW

Sorry that you're not resting well. Your life is probably one of the most interesting that I've ever read. And you write about it beautifully. I'm sorry but I don't find poetry a way of life for me but I try to read and interpret as best I can others's poetry. And if I misread what it was intended I don't mind you telling me what it was. The key to good writing is understanding. I'm a simple straightforward reader and often miss the hidden innuendo in someone's masterpiece. That's my fault not yours. Just let it be my mistake

Ron