Swansongs

“One regret, dear world,

That I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed

Is that I did not kiss you enough”

Hafiz

 (c. 1320-1389)

The Velvet Energy

Very recently Shell Oil commissioned seismic tests in the pristine waters off the coast of South Africa, which is home to whales, dolphins and seals, and is one of the important breeding grounds for whales. The tests involve blasting huge sound waves at very regular intervals through the marine environment for many months which would have been ecologically disastrous as well as affecting the local indigenous groups who undertake small-scale fishing in the area.  Fortunately the permission, for the moment anyway, has been withdrawn.

Heathcote-Williams in his loving and poetic tribute to the Whale in his book Whale Nation called the Whale The Velvet Energy.  I can’t think of a better name.

This Humpback Whale was painted on raw canvas and is 7 foot by 4 foot.