In Memoriam

I find scything my field particularly satisfying. Economical and quiet, it lends itself to contemplation. A tonic for the body and the mind.

Moreover, I can listen to the BBC Radio 4 as I work. Friday afternoons are a particular delight. “Gardeners’ Question Time” followed by “Last Word”.

Nurturing new life juxtaposed with eulogies for the recently departed. Life’s mysteries squeezed into a couple of hours.

“Last Word” often throws up interesting combinations. In a recent programme, Martin Amis was featured alongside Tina Turner, photographer Leroy Cooper and Rolf Harris.

There is an admirable democracy in death. Graveyards are full of odd bedfellows.

According to Martin Amis death becomes a writer. He held little truck with contemporary judgements on living authors.

In his words, as quoted on the programme: “Writers don’t realise how good they are, because they are dead when the action begins with the obituaries. Then the truth is revealed 50 years later by how many of your books are read. You feel the honour of being judged by something that is never wrong. Time.”

I shall soon be able to dwell on less morbid matters as I scythe.

It’s nearly time to tune in to The Ashes.