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.

The experimental music I am making now is on my Suno profile. Those pieces stay there, and are not added to this 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 23 November 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

2 birthdays · 2 death anniversaries · 6 world events on 23 November

Birthdays

Death anniversaries

World events on this day

  • 23 November 1644

    John Milton Defends Regicide in Areopagitica

    In 1644, John Milton published 'Areopagitica,' a powerful defense of free speech and an argument against censorship during the English Civil War. In this influential pamphlet, Milton argued for the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to publish without prior restraint, challenging the prevailing norms of censorship. His work became a foundational text for later advocates of free expression and civil liberties. 'Areopagitica' reflects the tumultuous political climate of the time and Milton's commitment to the principles of democracy and individual rights.

    Event 1644

  • 23 November 1585

    Burial at St. Mary-at-Horn

    Thomas Tallis was buried in 1585 at St. Mary-at-Horn in London, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to music and the sacred arts. His burial site has become a point of interest for those studying his contributions to choral music.

    Event 1585

  • 23 November 1846

    George Darley passes away in London

    On November 23, 1846, George Darley passed away in London, leaving behind a body of work that, while not widely recognized during his lifetime, has garnered appreciation in later years. His death marked the end of a poignant literary journey characterized by both ambition and struggle. Darley's contributions to poetry continue to resonate with those who explore his themes and style.

    Event 1846

  • 23 November 1910

    Crippen Murder Case

    The Crippen Murder Case in 1910 captured public attention as Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen was accused of murdering his wife, Cora, and fleeing with his mistress. This sensational trial was one of the first to utilize wireless telegraphy for police communication, showcasing the intersection of crime and technology. The case raised questions about morality, justice, and the role of media in shaping public perception, leaving a lasting impact on criminal law and media coverage of trials.

    Event 1910

  • 23 November 1980

    The Great Earthquake of 1980 in Irpinia

    On November 23, 1980 CE, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.9, struck the Irpinia region of southern Italy, killing almost 4,700 people and leaving 250,000 homeless. This was one of the most destructive earthquakes in Italian history and had a profound impact on the country. The disaster led to significant improvements in Italy's disaster response and building codes.

    Event 1980

  • 23 November 1984

    The 1984 Lingwu Earthquake

    On November 23, 1984 CE, an earthquake, estimated at magnitude 5.3, struck the Lingwu region of Ningxia, China. This event is recorded in Chinese historical sources and is part of the country's seismic history. The earthquake caused damage and was a notable event for the region.

    Event 1984
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