January 4. 1965

T. S. Eliot (September 26, 1888 to January 4, 1965) has been called by many the greatest poet of the 20th century. Fewer recall an incident after he left his first wife, and she then showed up at one of his poetry readings. This figure in the audience held up their dog. The story of this incident still affects me.  Partly because it illustrates so tightly the difference between how men and women communicate. I know what his former wife was saying -- how could you walk away from this. At the same time most men would certainly view her action as trivial or absurd. 

Not much of a buildup to today's blog, perhaps, but here, is an alternate, and adorable side, to T. S. Eliot. Here is his own art used as a cover illustration for his poetry collection, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Yes Eliot the illustrator: