Richmond Painted By Turner

Sometimes, 

Standing on the slope of Slee Gill,

I can see old JMW

Bashing out one more colour beginning

Before cakes and ale at the King’s Head.

What a lucious life - 

Lather boy to light of the world

By way of Cheyne Walk.

This was his meat and drink

(Not his bread and butter)

Setting the cragging castle against the ribboned moon,

Or studding the Swale with ducks

Which rip the ripple water with their wings

We all stand in his jocular shadow,

Safe as Luther beneath his blazing skies,

Blessed and illuminated by his God

Rising through vapour.