To Vanessa and all of John's family -
I am sorry to hear of John's death - the news has only just reached me. He was a gentleman and in our brief acquaintance, lovely company. We met at Muchelney
years ago when I bought some pots, and he was kind enough to show us around the lake area with its wonderful trees. Earlier this year I began a series of short poems about Somerset crafts and characters - Julian Temperley, a farmer, a grazier, cheesemaker - and of course included John. It's only now that the collection is finished, and I wanted to send it to John, that I find I'm too late. The poem is below - if ever it comes to publication, I hope you will accept the dedication on his behalf, but meanwhile please take it as my small tribute to
John.
John Leach, potter in Muchelney
The Levels – hold them gentle or, at a hand’s slip,
the water we might swallow, swallows us,
ditch and village and all that’s in between -
the Severn rises dark along the rhyne.
Clay in your hands, under them, on them: let me raise your cup
And, keeping level, drink the season up.
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