A Terrible Time to Be a Spy

A poem to thank my paid subscribers

I write this whilst on holiday in my ancestral home of the Channel Islands. I recently traced my heritage here back to 1490. It’s a slower, quieter part of the world, not without its problems, but from which the rest of the British Isles could learn much.

Although our first family holiday with three children (one of whom is only seven weeks old) is not the most relaxing experience I’ve ever had, it has given me a little time and space to reflect on The New Albion’s life thus far. This Substack launched in March—almost 6 months ago! Since then, I’ve published 22 proper posts, and been surprised, humbled, and encouraged by the response I’ve received.

Having attempted various blogs and writing projects in the past, I was worried this one would peter out like the others, despite my sincere desire to make a go of it. And yet, partly to my own surprise, we are still going—in part (I think) because I have found a niche in which I am very happy to write and in which I see a need, but also because I have had the gratifying response of paid subscribers such as yourselves who are actually willing to fork out hard-earned cash in exchange for my work. Much to my surprise, most of you are people I don’t even know in person or even tangentially!

Whilst I am on holiday, in lieu of an essay this week, I wanted to thank my paid subscribers by sharing a poem of mine, not published elsewhere. It’s a small token, but I hope it signals that I am immensely appreciative of your support and engagement here at The New Albion.

Next week will be entirely an off-week whilst I am still away, before normal service resumes once September is fully underway.