John Birtwhistle (author of ‘Why study literature?’ on pp. 2–5 of this issue of THE ENGLISH REVIEW) here records a personal epiphany, using the language and style of the ‘set book’ that prompted it. In The Prelude, Wordsworth records the ‘spots of time’ that ‘nourished’ his existence. These moments, when disparate elements connect to ignite a flash of creative energy, anticipate modern theories of mind which Birtwhistle refers to in his article. (‘Flashbulb’ is used by psychologists to describe memories of shocking and significant events which also record the larger context of the experience. A ‘gnomon’ is the part of a sundial that casts the shadow.)
‘A Spot of Time’ is from John Birtwhistle’s latest collection, Eventualities (2013), and is reprinted here by permission of Anvil Press Poetry.
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