Tempest

Too wild a morning to go out in, so this is the image I've chosen instead.

The shell has lived for years in my bathroom. I think it's very beautiful. The book was my dad's exquisite copy of Shakespeare, which now lives on my bookshelf.

The words are a song sung by the sprite Ariel on Prospero's Isle in The Tempest. Prospero's daughter is called Miranda - the first time the name appears in the English language.

My dad did not drown at sea, he died of lung cancer nearly 5 years ago. But he was in the Royal Navy as a very young man and he loved the sea.

Having spent much of his working life at the BBC, after he died they put an obituary in the BBC Staff magazine, Ariel. On notable occasions, if he wrote to me, send me a card, or even once a telegram, he signed himself 'Prospero' to my Miranda. It goes without saying, we all loved him and miss him a lot.

So this image for me carries a tangle of ideas and emotion. It is for my dad and for all at sea last night, particularly those working in small boats. Guys, come back safe.

Full fadom five thy father lies.
Of his bones are Corrall made:
Those are pearles that were his eies,
Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a Sea-change
Into something rich, & strange:
Sea Nimphs hourly ring his knell.
Harke, now I heare them, ding-dong bell.