How we view the past is largely a matter of choice; for some, historic fact and accuracy is everything. For others, the poetic way is preferable. Despite the distortions that poetic licence may bring, it can provide a different kind of insight on past events. I would never have bothered with the Hundred Years War if I had not read Shakespeare’s Henry V.

Self-improvement begins with a desire to change and the will to act, but in addition, it requires faith; faith that this is possible. Change can be painful, difficult and frightening. To keep us going, we need repeated inspiration. Poetry can give us this.

These pages aim to provide that inspiration on a daily basis.