Page 2 - WordSmyth VI Summer 2020

Welcome (back) to WordSmyth!
Dear Readers and those of you who have just finished rereading War and Peace for the 7th time
since lockdown began and feel there is nothing better to do,
Welcome once again to another edition of WordSmyth: this is, I believe, our sixth issue, since the editorial board, formerly known as creative writing club, first devised this idea in the Lent term of last year. For any of you who are not yet aware, WordSmyth is a literary publication, released each half-term, or at least that’s what we strive for, which aims to give readers both within and without the school community a taste of the creative exploits of the students from year 7 to year 10. While we seek to represent all said years, it is certainly true that the balance in terms of quantity of entries weighs heavily in favour of the former group (hint, hint parents of any as of yet undiscovered writers in the elder year groups – do give them a nudge for us). Any entries from any students in the afore mentioned year groups are always welcome – even the greatest writers have to start somewhere. Yet here I am beseeching you for entries when my own record numbers a puny one compared to the editor’s impressive six and with the release of this issue seven. I shall not deny my intent is riddled with hypocrisy – though I find it is hard not to contradict one’s own views in a time when society and politics are about as stable and reliable as the Scottish weather.
The editor of this publication and Mr Bond will readily tell you that I am both a cynic and a pessimist, but I am always pleasantly surprised at the standard of writing that we receive when we advertise for the next issue, particularly the writings of some of those in the lower year groups. Some of the older parents and students of the school will remember the now-martyred Wordsworth publication, and while we would never seek to emulate nor usurp the writings and genius of Warwick School veterans Alex Sampson, Joe Barnes and of course the notorious Sam Young, I triumphantly inform you that WordSmyth, having vanquished our predecessor to the cabinets of the Portcullis room, seeks to offer a platform by which our younger writers may showcase their creative expertise, both inside and outside of lessons, without fear of competition from the senior year groups.
As previously mentioned, the WordSmyth editorial board, while never decrying optimism and a touch of comedy, tends to lean towards and take delight in those pieces which take a more gothic, pessimistic and mystic turn. Therefore, I cannot promise you a mindful and joyous read, brimming with hope for the future and the positive spirit of lockdown. Far from it, this issue gives life to marauding monsters, follows an art curator through an eerie exhibit, twists fairy-tales in a way not seen since brothers Grimm, quivers alongside the soldiers in the trenches and even entertains the image of a virus that has wrenched out the very heart of humanity and plunged the world into a dismal apocalypse. In order to appease those of you who do not share our interest in the gothic style, I have been forced to concede to the addition of two Shakespearean sonnets based on the bizarre concept of love, though despite my reservations, I can assure they are of very high-quality.
But that is quite enough from me, I thank you for your patience and hope that in reading this you find a moment of release from the barren landscape that is quarantined life ...
Patrick Stiven, Vice-editor
WordSmyth VI Summer 2020
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