To finish off our string of amazing guest bloggers, it is my pleasure to introduce darling Anna of Anna and the Ring: an infinitely sweet and caring woman whose compassion for others brightens things.

When Mouse asked me to write a guest post my first reaction was oh yes, oh yes! It was only a few days later it dawned upon me I would have to try and write something. Something that Mouse would be happy to publish. Oy vey! How do I express words for someone I barely know but paradoxically have come to adore.

So as I sat trying to think of something appropriate to write I heard Fields of Gold (from when Sting sung on Studio 60*) play in the background. It struck me that I should of course write about love. Mouse exudes love. Yet how to write about love? I know only love from how I feel love. That would not do. So I felt I needed to search for the words which describe love most beautifully. Obviously in times of trouble one should turn to Pablo Neruda. I believe his poetry is wondrous. Whilst his words are simple (and mostly in translation) they ooze love in ways in which I am unable to express.

So as the lute (and occasional applause) plays in the background I want you to read the next few words. True love was never more true.

I have named you queen.
There are taller ones than you. taller.
There are purer ones than you. purer.
There are lovelier than you. lovelier.
But you are the queen.
When you go through the streets
no one recognizes you.
No one sees your crystal gown, no one looks
at the carpet of red gold
that you tread as you pass.
the nonexistent carpet.
And when you appear
all the rivers sound
in my body, bells
shake the sky,
and a hymn fills the world.
Only you and I,
only you and I, my love,
listen to it.

Pablo Neruda

For me, the perfect, beautiful reading with words to take into one's heart and hold onto forever. That is love. To understand that whilst you may never see yourself as a queen you are in the eyes of at least one person, their queen. A hard lesson for me and I am sure many others reading this to learn.

*I miss you Mr Bing.