A quiet notice V2Melody closes at midnight on , Spanish time.

Closes

A note from Richard

V2Melody will close at midnight on 20 January 2028

This site has been a retirement project in musical poetry: poems chosen with care and set to music, offered freely for as long as it felt right to keep the garden open.

The work no longer holds the place it once did in my life. I have gone as far with it as I wish to go. Like a sand mandala, it was made to be completed and then released. I am not attached to its permanence, and I do not believe any of it needs to last beyond the time it was given. The poems were already here before I arrived and began to experiment with them. They will still be here when these musical experiments, and indeed myself, have been swept away, like the sand of a mandala. Nothing has been lost.

I want a simpler end to my life, days of simple love and enjoyment with my wonderful wife of 20 years. The work of maintaining a server, the monitoring, and the residual obligations that come with keeping a site alive no longer fit that life.

From 4 November 2026 I will not be adding new poems or musical poems to the site.

Until midnight on 20 January 2028, Spanish time, everything remains available exactly as it is. That is when my VPS server contract comes to an end, and it will not be renewed. After that, the server will be switched off and the site will disappear.

The Mandala Is Finished explains this more fully.

Thank you to anyone who found a poem, a track, or a quiet moment here.

The pleasure was in the making.

Richard


On 12 June in poetry and history

Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.

610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue

Previous Today Next

3 birthdays · 3 death anniversaries · 19 world events on 12 June

Birthdays

Death anniversaries

World events on this day

  • 12 June 1967

    The Landmark Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court Case

    In 1967, the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia struck down laws banning interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional. This ruling was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement, affirming the principle of equality under the law. The case highlighted the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination and set a precedent for future legal battles regarding marriage and civil rights in the United States.

    Event 1967

  • 12 June 1770

    James Hargreaves Patents the Spinning Jenny

    In 1770, James Hargreaves patented the Spinning Jenny, a multi-spindle spinning frame that allowed a single worker to spin multiple spools of thread simultaneously. This invention revolutionized the textile industry, significantly increasing production efficiency and contributing to the Industrial Revolution. Hargreaves's innovation marked a pivotal moment in manufacturing, transforming labor practices and economic structures in the textile sector.

    Event 1770

  • 12 June 1963

    Murder of Medgar Evers

    The assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers on June 12, 1963, by Byron De La Beckwith in Mississippi was a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. Evers' work in advocating for racial equality and voter registration made him a target for white supremacists. His murder galvanized public outrage and highlighted the dangers faced by civil rights activists, contributing to the push for legislative changes and greater awareness of racial injustice.

    Event 1963

  • 12 June 1599

    First Performance of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

    In 1599, the Globe Theatre opened in London as a major venue built by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company in which William Shakespeare was a shareholder. This open-air amphitheater on the Thames south bank hosted the first performances of many Shakespearean masterpieces, including likely Julius Caesar, captivating audiences with innovative staging in a "wooden O." It symbolized the vibrant Elizabethan theater scene, democratizing access to high drama and poetry, profoundly shaping English literature and cultural heritage for centuries.

    Event 1599

  • 12 June 1850

    Marriage to Mary Anne Dobell

    Sydney Dobell married Mary Anne on June 12, 1850, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Their union marked a significant personal milestone in his life, providing both companionship and inspiration for his poetry.

    Event 1850

  • 12 June 1887

    Death of his son William

    In 1887, O'Reilly faced the tragic death of his son William, which profoundly affected him and his family. This loss brought deep sorrow and reflection into his life, influencing his poetry and themes of grief and loss. The emotional turmoil of this event shaped his later works, adding a layer of depth to his writing.

    Event 1887

  • 12 June 1897

    The Great Earthquake of 1897 in Shillong

    On June 12, 1897 CE, a massive earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.0, struck the Shillong Plateau in northeastern India. The quake caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,500 people and altering the landscape. This event is one of the most significant earthquakes in the history of the Indian subcontinent and is a key event in the region's seismic history.

    Event 1897

  • 12 June 1908

    Marriage to Lilian Steichen

    In 1908, Carl Sandburg married Lilian Steichen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their partnership would last for nearly six decades and produce three daughters. Lilian's support and influence were significant in Sandburg's life, providing stability that allowed him to focus on his writing.

    Event 1908

  • 12 June 1919

    Kipling's Honorary Degree from McGill University

    In 1919, Rudyard Kipling was awarded an honorary degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This recognition celebrated his contributions to literature and his status as a prominent literary figure of the British Empire. The honor highlighted Kipling's international acclaim and influence.

    Event 1919

  • 12 June 1994

    First Flight of the Boeing 777, First Computer-Designed Airliner

    The Boeing 777, a wide-body twin-engine jetliner, first flew on June 12, 1994. It was the first commercial aircraft to be designed entirely on computers using CAD software, eliminating the need for physical mock-ups. This represented a massive shift in aircraft design and manufacturing, leading to a new era of efficiency and customization in aviation.

    Event 1994

  • 12 June 1994

    Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and DNA Evidence Revolution

    The murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, in June 1994, and the subsequent investigation involving DNA blood evidence collected from the crime scene and the vehicle of O.J. Simpson, represented a turning point in the public understanding and legal deployment of DNA evidence. The investigation gathered what was then considered overwhelming DNA evidence — but its handling by the LAPD was subsequently attacked as contaminated and potentially manipulated — bringing forensic laboratory procedure into unprecedented public scrutiny.

    Event 1994

  • 12 June 2016

    Pulse Nightclub Shooting

    On June 12, 2016, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, became one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, claiming the lives of 49 individuals and injuring many others. The attack, carried out by Omar Mateen, targeted the LGBTQ+ community and sparked nationwide discussions about gun control, hate crimes, and the safety of marginalized groups. This tragic event not only galvanized activism for LGBTQ+ rights but also highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and discrimination faced by these communities.

    Event 2016

  • 12 June 869

    Jōgan Earthquake Lights in Japan

    The Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku, a Japanese historical text, described 'strange lights in the sky' during the 869 Jōgan earthquake, one of the earliest recorded instances of earthquake lights. These luminous phenomena, now scientifically studied, were interpreted in Heian-period Japan as supernatural portents. The earthquake itself caused widespread devastation in the Sanriku region, shaping disaster preparedness in Japanese history.

    Event 869

  • 12 June 1817

    Invention of the Bicycle

    In 1817, Karl Drais invented the first practical bicycle, known as the Laufmaschine or running machine, which was a precursor to modern bicycles. This two-wheeled contraption allowed riders to propel themselves by pushing their feet against the ground, marking a significant advancement in personal transportation. The invention laid the groundwork for future developments in cycling technology and contributed to the evolution of transportation methods in the 19th century.

    Event 1817

  • 12 June 1874

    Birth of his first child, William

    In 1874, O'Reilly welcomed his first child, William, with his wife Mary Murphy. The birth of their son brought joy and a new sense of responsibility to O'Reilly's life. This personal milestone influenced his perspective on family and legacy, which became themes in his later poetry.

    Event 1874

  • 12 June 1977

    Gossamer Condor Human-Powered Flight

    The Gossamer Condor, developed by human-powered flight pioneer Paul MacCready, won the Kremer Prize in 1977 for achieving the first controlled human-powered flight over one mile. This groundbreaking achievement showcased the potential of human ingenuity and engineering in aviation. The success of the Gossamer Condor inspired further advancements in human-powered flight and sustainable transportation technologies.

    Event 1977

  • 12 June 1979

    First Flight of the Gossamer Albatross

    The Gossamer Albatross, a human-powered aircraft, was built by Paul MacCready and flown across the English Channel by Bryan Allen in 1979. It was a revolutionary design using lightweight materials and a large wingspan to achieve sustained, muscle-powered flight. This was a triumph of engineering and human endurance.

    Event 1979

  • 12 June 1979

    Gossamer Albatross Channel Crossing

    On June 12, 1979, the Gossamer Albatross, a human-powered aircraft, successfully crossed the English Channel, demonstrating the potential of human ingenuity and sustainable flight. Piloted by Bryan Allen, this flight covered 22 miles in just over two hours, showcasing advancements in lightweight materials and aerodynamics. The achievement not only captured the public's imagination but also inspired future innovations in aviation and environmental consciousness regarding energy-efficient transportation.

    Event 1979

  • 12 June 1994

    Boeing 777 Development Milestone

    In 1994, the Boeing 777 wide-body twinjet completed its maiden flight, showcasing advanced fly-by-wire technology and efficiency. Designed through extensive computer modeling and airline collaboration, it set new standards for long-haul aviation. The milestone advanced commercial flight safety and capacity, supporting global connectivity that facilitates cultural and literary exchange.

    Event 1994
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